Fabrication and Shell Optimization of Synergistic TiO2‐MoO3 Core–Shell Nanowire Array Anode for High Energy and Power Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

A novel synergistic TiO 2‐MoO 3 (TO‐MO) core–shell nanowire array anode has been fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method followed by a subsequent controllable electrodeposition process. The nano‐MoO 3 shell provides large specific capacity as well as good electrical conductivity for fast charge transfer, while the highly electrochemically stable TiO 2 nanowire core (negligible volume change during Li insertion/desertion) remedies the cycling instability of MoO 3 shell and its array further provides a 3D scaffold for large amount electrodeposition of MoO 3. In combination of the unique electrochemical attributes of nanostructure arrays, the optimized TO‐MO hybrid anode (mass ratio: ca. 1:1) simultaneously exhibits high gravimetric capacity (ca. 670 mAh g−1; approaching the hybrid's theoretical value), excellent cyclability (>200 cycles) and good rate capability (up to 2000 mA g−1). The areal capacity is also as high as 3.986 mAh cm−2, comparable to that of typical commercial LIBs. Furthermore, the hybrid anode was assembled for the first time with commercial LiCoO 2 cathode into a Li ion full cell, which shows outstanding performance with maximum power density of 1086 W kg total −1 (based on the total mass of the TO‐MO and LiCoO 2) and excellent energy density (285 Wh kg total −1) that is higher than many previously reported metal oxide anode‐based Li full cells.