Design of β-Mo2C with an appropriate intercalation potential as an anode material toward lithium ion batteries.

The advancement of innovative Mo 2 C anode yet faces the challenge of exploring a simple, convenient and controllable synthetic route. β-Mo 2 C was prepared by utilizing low-cost hexamethylenetetramine and ammonium molybdate as raw materials and employing simple calcination treatment under N 2 atmosphere. When applied as an anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), β-Mo 2 C delivers a satisfactory rate performance (147.0 and 103.4 mAh g−1 at 0.5 and 1.0 A g−1) and excellent cyclic stability (72.2 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 after 1500 cycles). Meanwhile, a suitable voltage plateau at ∼1.4 V for β-Mo 2 C also avoids the formation of lithium dendrites to improve the safety of LIBs. β-Mo 2 C with high electronic conductivity and suitable lithium storage potential was prepared by utilizing low-cost hexamethylenetetramine and ammonium molybdate as raw materials and employing simple calcination treatment under N 2 atmosphere. [Display omitted] • β-Mo 2 C was prepared by simple calcination treatment under N 2 atmosphere. • A suitable voltage plateau (∼1.4 V) for β-Mo 2 C avoids the formation of Li dendrite. • β-Mo 2 C delivered a satisfactory rate performance and excellent cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]