Encapsulating Mo-doped TiO2 anatase in N-doped amorphous carbon with excellent lithium storage performances

Abstract

To improve the capability, cycling stability and rate capacity of anatase TiO2-based electrode, Mo-doped TiO2 anatase encapsulated in nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (denoted for Mo-TiO2@NC) were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method followed by a coating with polyaniline (PANI) and heating treatment. When tested as an anode for lithium ion batteries, the Mo-TiO2@NC electrode showed an initial discharge and charge capacity of 850.7 and 548.3 mAh g−1 at a current density of 85 mA g−1, respectively, with a remarkable discharge capacity maintained at 449.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Even at a high current density of 850 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 154 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles was obtained, displaying good rate capacity and long-term cycling stability. The outstanding electrochemical performance of Mo-TiO2@NC can be attributed to the synergistic effect of aliovalent ions doping and carbon coating.