One-pot synthesis of mixed-valence MoOx on carbon nanotube as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

A mixed-valence MoOx/carbon nanotube nanocomposite was synthesized using a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction in which 5 nm MoOx nanoparticles were coated on the surfaces of carbon nanotube. The MoOx nanoparticles in the nanocomposite had mixed Mo4+ and Mo6+ valence states. Thus, the nanocomposite showed a discharge behavior corresponding to both MoO2 and MoO3. The nanocomposite had a reversible discharge capacity of 900 mAh g−1 at a current density of 90 mA g−1, and could deliver discharge capacities of 770, 700, and 570 mAh g−1 at current densities of 450, 900, and 1800 mA g−1, respectively.