Layer-structured MoO3 with a high theoretical specific capacity is a promising lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode alternative material. However, the poor electrical conductivity and pulverization during the Li+ insertion/extraction processes limit its practical application. Herein, we designed a core–sheath MoO3@MoS2 composite via in situ growth of few-layered MoS2 nanoflakes on the surface of the biotemplated MoO3. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the preferred growth orientation of MoO3 crystals was altered under the induction of petal biotemplates. The layer-reduced MoO3 and the highly dispersed MoS2 provide abundant active sites. The unique core–sheath structure alleviates volume expansion of the electrode material. The electrochemical measurements results show that the composite possesses a high specific capacity (1545 mAh/g) and Coulombic efficiency (above 98%) after 150 cycles, as well as a better conductivity. Besides, the MoO3@MoS2 composite presents a stable rate performance under a current density of 100–1000 mA/g. Our work indicates that MoO3@MoS2 composite might be a good candidate as an anode material.

In this study, a series of Co3O4 nanoparticle-functionalized mesoporous SiO2 (Co–SiO2) were successfully synthesized via a spontaneous infiltration route. Co species were firstly infiltrated into the confined spaces between the surfactant and silica walls, with the assistance of grinding CoCl3·6H2O and the as-prepared mesoporous SiO2. Then, Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were formed and grown in the limited space of the mesopores, after calcination. Structures, morphologies, and compositions of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrum, N2 adsorption, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Results showed that the high content of Co (rCo:Si = 0.17) can be efficiently dispersed into the mesoporous SiO2 as forms of Co3O4 NPs, and the structural ordering of the mesoporous SiO2 was well-preserved at the same time. The Co3O4 NP functionalized mesoporous SiO2 materials were used as Fenton-like catalysts for removing methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The catalyst prepared at rCo:Si = 0.17 could completely remove the high-concentration of MB (120 mg·L−1), and also showed an excellent performance with a removal capacity of 138 mg·g−1 to 180 mg·L−1 of MB. Catalytic mechanisms were further revealed, based on the degradation results.