Effect of cation doping on the electrochemical properties of Li2MoO3 as a promising cathode material for lithium-ion battery

A series of cation-doped Li2MoO3 materials were successfully prepared by a facile method. The experimental characterizations showed that the incorporation of metal cations can change the structures of Li2MoO3 materials. In addition, Li2Mo0.96M0.04O3 materials have higher structural stabilities and electrical conductivities in comparison to the pristine sample, which results in a much improved electrochemical performance. The initial discharge capacities are respectively 246.87, 256.92, 255.38, 271.12, and 261.25 mAh g−1 for Li2MoO3, Li2Mo0.96Zn0.04O3, Li2Mo0.96Mg0.04O3, Li2Mo0.96Cr0.04O3, and Li2Mo0.96La0.04O3. Li2Mo0.96La0.04O3 has the best performance, and it can deliver a specific capacity of 149.89 mAh g−1 at the 50th cycle at a charge/discharge current density of 34 mA g−1. Our experiments have identified the promising role of cation doping and offered some important information for the design and optimization of Li2MoO3-based cathode materials.