Fe2Mo3O8 nanoparticles self-assembling 3D mesoporous hollow spheres toward superior lithium storage properties

Unique self-assembled iron(II) molybdenum(IV) oxide (Fe₂Mo₃O₈) mesoporous hollow spheres have been facilely constructed via the bubble-template-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method combined with simple calcination. The compact assembly of small nanoparticles on the surface of the hollow spheres not only provides more active sites for the Fe₂Mo₃O₈, but also benefits the stability of the hollow structure, and thus improved the lithium storage properties of Fe₂Mo₃O₈. The Fe₂Mo₃O₈ mesoporous hollow spheres exhibit high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1189 and 997 mA∙h∙g⁻¹ respectively, as well as good long-term cycling stability (866 mA∙h∙g⁻¹ over 70 cycles) when used as a lithium-ion battery anode. This feasible material synthesis strategy will inspire the variation of structural design in other ternary metal molybdates.