Synthesis, characterization and lithium-intercalation properties of rod-like CaMoO4 nanocrystals

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry Vol. 11; no. 8; pp. 1127 - 1131
• Main Authors: Liang, Yongguang, Han, Xiaoyan, Yi, Zonghui, Tang, Wenchao, Zhou, Liqun, Sun, Jutang, Yang, Shuijin, Zhou, Yunhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer Nature B.V 01.08.2007
• Subjects: Calcium compounds; Cycles; Differential thermal analysis; Differential thermogravimetric analysis; Electrochemical analysis; Electron diffraction; Electron microscopy; Hexamine; Insertion; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Microscopy; Nanocrystals; Rechargeable batteries; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-006-0249-1

Rod-like CaMoO4 nanocrystals were synthesized via a template-based rheological phase reaction route as a novel method. The physical characterization was carried out by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elected-area electron diffraction (SAED). A structure-directed role of hexamethylene tetramine (HMTA) was observed during the formation of CaMoO4 nanocrystals. The electrochemical performance of CaMoO4 as anode for lithium ion batteries has also been investigated by galvanostatic cycling and AC impedance spectroscopy. CaMoO4/Li cell can deliver superior capacity than theoretical value in the initial cycle, and the much improved capacity was attributed to the contribution of oxygen besides the reduction of molybdenum during lithium insertion. Furthermore, a charge capacity of 276 and 438 mAh/g was retained after 50 cycles in the range of 0.01–2.50 V vs Li at a current density of 100 and 200 mA/g, respectively. The particle size and morphological properties were found to play an important role in fast lithium insertion/extraction performance and cycling stability at high rate.