α-MoO₃ nanobelts: A high performance cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Flexible single crystalline α-MoO₃ nanobelts with widths of 200-500 nm, lengths of 5-10 μm, and thicknesses of ∼50 nm have been prepared by a facile hydrothermal treatment method. When fabricated as the cathode for lithium ion batteries, the as-synthesized α-MoO₃ nanobelts exhibit excellent rate capability, large capacity, and good cycling stability. An initial discharge capacity of 176 mAh/g can be obtained at 5000 mA/g, retaining a capacity of 115 mAh/g after 50 cycles. The superior high-rate capability can be attributed to the increased conductivity of the electrode during cycling and the nanobelts morphology. The excellent performance makes the α-MoO₃ nanobelts a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries in the application of electronic vehicles and hybrid electronic vehicles.