New Li-ion battery full-cells: MoO3 nanobelts as high energy density electrode

Orthorhombic MoO3 is a unique 2D material that undergoes lithium intercalation at higher voltage (above 2 V) and conversion reaction at lower voltages (below 1.5 V). Due to this dual reaction mechanisms, MoO3 can serve as cathode and anode as well. Herein, we report two new full-cell chemistries based on MoO3 cathode against, (i) prelithiated MoO3 anode with operating voltage of 1.5 V and (ii) a prelithiated Si@TiO2 core–shell nanoparticle anode with operating voltage of 2.0 V. This is the first report of such a full-cell Li-ion batteries based on MoO3 nanobelts delivering moderate voltages (1.5–2.0 V). Fabricated full-cells exhibit high specific and areal capacities, cycling over 100 cycles and high Coulombic efficiencies (>99%). These full-cells even deliver initial energy densities of 156 Wh kg−1 for MoO3 anode and 310 Wh kg−1 for Si@TiO2 anode, values calculated considering the total active weights of both cathode and anode in the cell. These two new full-cell chemistries with moderate voltage have scope to further improve upon and cater the future energy storage needs.