Novel flexible MWCNTs@MoO2-C nanocable composites with excellent electrochemical performance for lithium ion battery anodes

In this work, a novel flexible MWCNTs@MoO2-C nanocable composite for lithium ion battery anodes was fabricated by the electrospinning of homogeneously dispersed MWCNTs in a PVA/ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate solution and subsequent thermal treatment of the electrospun nanofibers. In the resulting MWCNTs@MoO2-C nanocable composite, the MoO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in amorphous carbon nanofibers that contained well-embedded MWCNTs as their cores. Compared with samples without MWCNTs, the unique nanocable composite exhibited not only a high specific capacity but also excellent cycling performance and good flexibility. It delivered a high reversible capacity of 832 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 after 30 cycles. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the MWCNTs@MoO2-C nanocable composite was attributed to its novel nanocable structure ensuring not only effective contact between MoO2 and the liquid electrolyte, but also high conductivity for Li+ and e– transfer.