Formation of Triple‐Shelled Molybdenum–Polydopamine Hollow Spheres and Their Conversion into MoO2/Carbon Composite Hollow Spheres for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Unique triple‐shelled Mo‐polydopamine (Mo‐PDA) hollow spheres are synthesized through a facile solvothermal process. A sequential self‐templating mechanism for the multi‐shell formation is proposed, and the number of shells can be adjusted by tuning the size of the Mo‐glycerate templates. These triple‐shelled Mo‐PDA hollow spheres can be converted to triple‐shelled MoO2/carbon composite hollow spheres by thermal treatment. Owing to the unique multi‐shells and hollow interior, the as‐prepared MoO2/carbon composite hollow spheres exhibit appealing performance as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, delivering a high capacity of ca. 580 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with good rate capability and long cycle life.