Template‐Free Synthesis of Carbon Matrix‐Confined MoO2 Yolk–Shell Microspheres as Anode Materials for High‐Performance Lithium Storage

ABSTRACT Molybdenum dioxide (MoO 2 ) is a hopeful anode material for high‐performing lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but the practical application is still impeded due to its huge volume variation and degraded capacity upon the cycling process. Herein, we present a reasonable design and synthesis of amorphous carbon matrix‐confined MoO 2 yolk–shell microspheres (MoO 2 /C‐YSMs) by a simple solvothermal strategy and in situ carbonizing process. This unique carbon‐restrained yolk–shell architecture can not only shorten Li + ion/electron transfer pathways, but also relieve the large volume change of anode materials and further improve battery performance. Profit from steady yolk–shell structure and conductive carbon matrix, the obtained MoO 2 /C‐YSMs electrode demonstrates a high reversible specific capacity of 1034 mA h g –1 at 100 mA g −1 and 504 mA h g −1 at 2000 mA g −1 with good rate capability and long cycle performance. The study demonstrates a facile, feasible, and low‐cost method to prepare high‐performing electrodes via structural design, which reveals the potential of MoO 2 /C‐YSMs for using high‐performance anode material for LIBs.