We propose a one-pot solution strategy to prepare sub-stoichiometric MoO3 quantum dots (MoO3−χ-QDs) with single-layered, vacancy-containing and few-crystalline features, which display surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in both visible and near-infrared regions without illumination.

As an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), MoS has attracted much attention because of its high capacity and low cost. However, the rational design of a novel electrode structure with a high capacity, fast charge/discharge rate, and long cycling lifetime remains a great challenge. Herein, a environmentally friendly etching strategy is reported for the construction of monodisperse, inner void-controlled yolk-shell MoS @carbon microspheres. The resulting anode reveals an initial discharge capacity up to 1813 mAh g , a high reversible capacity (1016 mAh g ), excellent cycling stability (200 cycles), and superior rate performance. Such microspheres consist of nanosized MoS yolks (≈280 nm), porous carbon shells (≈25 nm) and well-controlled internal voids in between, opening a new pathway for the optimization of the electrochemical properties of MoS -based anodes without sacrificing their capacity. In addition, this etching strategy offers a new method for the development of functional, hollow MoS -based composites.

A novel structure based on vertical channels with expanded interlayers can simultaneously shorten the pathway of Li-ion diffusion, and enhance the kinetics of Li-ion intercalation/deintercalation.