Template-Free Synthesis of Carbon Matrix-Confined MoO2 Yolk–Shell Microspheres as Anode Materials for High-Performance Lithium Storage

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO₂) is a hopeful anode material for high-performing lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but the practical application is still impeded due to its huge volume variation and degraded capacity upon the cycling process. Herein, we present a reasonable design and synthesis of amorphous carbon matrix-confined MoO₂ yolk–shell microspheres (MoO₂/C-YSMs) by a simple solvothermal strategy and in situ carbonizing process. This unique carbon-restrained yolk–shell architecture can not only shorten Li⁺ ion/electron transfer pathways, but also relieve the large volume change of anode materials and further improve battery performance. Profit from steady yolk–shell structure and conductive carbon matrix, the obtained MoO₂/C-YSMs electrode demonstrates a high reversible specific capacity of 1034 mA h g^–1 at 100 mA g⁻¹ and 504 mA h g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹ with good rate capability and long cycle performance. The study demonstrates a facile, feasible, and low-cost method to prepare high-performing electrodes via structural design, which reveals the potential of MoO₂/C-YSMs for using high-performance anode material for LIBs.