Binder‐Free MoO ₂ ‐MoO ₃ Nanoarrays as High‐Performance Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract To overcome the limitations of commercializing lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), a one‐step feasible route is reported to prepare a hybrid matrix of molybdenum oxides (MoO _3‐x , x = 0 and 1) thin film anode. In this direction, the electrical conductivity barriers of MoO ₃ dielectric are overcome by reinforcing conductive MoO ₂ via the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route. The intermixed array of nanograins and nanoflakes grown over stainless‐steel (SS) foil delivers a maximum gravimetric capacitance of 281 F g ⁻¹ and a specific capacity of 348 mAh g ⁻¹ at 1 A g ⁻¹ . The synergistic integration of metal oxides facilitates multiple valencies, interfacial structural stability, and abundant ion transport channels to achieve a wider voltage window of 3.50 V. Subsequently, the prepared Li||MoO ₂ ‐MoO ₃ @SS configuration possesses electric double‐layer and pseudocapacitive energy storage capacity leading to remarkable specific energy 77.78 Wh kg ⁻¹ and excellent specific power 13.75 kW kg ⁻¹ . The high‐rate capacity tests for continuous 1200 charge–discharge cycles disclose retention of ≈88% and ≈100% Coulombic efficiency on a 2‐fold enlargement of current density. The longer lifespan and higher rate capacity of nanohybrid anode owing to reversible lithiation/delithiation further recommend its candidacy in developing LIBs for next‐generation portable electronics.