We report a simple and effective carbon-free nanocoating strategy for large-scale synthesis of Mo 2 N nanolayer coated MoO 2 hollow nanostructures. This strategy only involves commercial MoO 3 powders reacted with reduced gas. The carbon-free nanocoating of Mo 2 N is highly effective in improving the electrochemical properties of MoO 2 , promising advanced batteries with high specific capacity up to 815 mA h g À1 , long cycle-life (e.g., >100 cycles) and high rate capability compared with the carbon nanocoating commonly used in electrode materials. The present nitride-nanocoating strategy is facile but effective, and therefore it is very promising for large-scale industrial production. It may be extended to prepare other metal oxides with nitride coating nanolayers to enhance their performances as electrode materials.
Broader contextRechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been recognized as the most promising power source for portable electronic devices and electrical/hybrid vehicles. Anode materials with high reversible capacity, long cycle life, high rate performance, high safety and low cost are urgently required for high performance LIBs. We report a simple and effective carbon-free nanocoating strategy for large-scale synthesis of Mo 2 N nanolayer coated MoO 2 hollow nanostructures. This nitride-nanocoating strategy only involves metal oxide nanomaterials reacted with reduced gas NH 3 . Compared to the commonly used carbon nanocoated or metal oxide coated electrode materials, such novel nitride-nanocoating is facile but highly effective in improving the electrochemical properties of the electrode materials, and it is very promising for large-scale industrial production.