Synthesis of Flower-like Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O from Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ and Its Application for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Structure-Electrochemical Property Relationships

Flower-like Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O microspheres have been synthesized by using a sequential process from lindgrenite (Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂). Lindgrenite nanoflowers were synthesized through a simpler route by using an aqueous chemical precipitation technique at room temperature without any surfactants or template. Subsequently, 3D flower-like Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O microspheres have been synthesized by annealing at 300°C for 2h from lindgrenite (Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂). From the XRD pattern, FTIR spectrum, SEM and TEM analysis, flower-like Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O (ca. 5μm) microspheres have been obtained, which were assembled from 3-4nm thick nanosheets with an orthorhombic structure. Application of 3D flower-like microspheres as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been investigated and the possible electrochemical mechanism is analyzed. Electrochemical characterization of the Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O nanoflowers as an anode material for LIBs has exhibited good cycle stability and a high coulombic efficiency during operation. The electrochemical activity was attributed to the unique structure of the Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O microspheres, which provide more active sites for Li-ion storage as well as a reduced transfer resistance. This work has explored a simple synthesis strategy for the synthesis of flower-like Cu₃[MoO₄]₂O microspheres without templates, additives, or surfactants, which exhibit a basis for not only high electrochemical performance in reversible Li storage, but also cycle stability.