Simple synthesis of MoO2/carbon aerogel anodes for high performance lithium ion batteries from seaweed biomassElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD patterns, N2 sorption data, electrochemical performance and SEM images of the controlled experiments. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22642f

• Main Authors: Che, Ying, Zhu, Xiaoyi, Li, Jianjiang, Sun, Jin, Liu, Yanyan, Jin, Chunde, Dong, Chaohong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22642f

The sluggish kinetics and large volume expansion occurring during cycle process are critical disadvantages for molybdenum dioxide (MoO 2 ) based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The design and controllable synthesis of MoO 2 based materials with unique hierarchical structure are desired. In this work, we present a one step in situ method to synthesize MoO 2 /carbon aerogel composites with MoO 2 nanoparticles embedded in the carbon aerogel matrix using an environmentally friendly alginate as the carbon precursor. The key feature of our strategy involves the use of a carbon aerogel matrix which facilitates the Li ion transport and offers the space for MoO 2 volume expansion during the discharge and charge processes. The composite prepared under optimum conditions, namely a stabilization temperature at 375 °C, exhibited a brilliant performance with a specific capacity of 574 mA h g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 , good cycle stability ( i.e. , a reversible capacity of 490 mA h g −1 at a current density of 200 mA g −1 for 120 cycles), excellent rate capability (remains at 331 mA h g −1 even at a current density of 1000 mA g −1 ). This finding presents an easy, eco-friendly and efficient strategy for the fabrication of potential high-performance LIBs anodes. We present a simple and eco-friendly method to synthesize MoO 2 /carbon aerogel anodes using alginate as the carbon precursor.