Electrochemical performance of Ni(x)Co(1-x)MoO(4 )(0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanowire anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Ni(x)Co(1-x)MoO(4 )(0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanowire electrodes for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries have been synthesized via a hydrothermal method, followed by thermal post-annealing at 500°C for 2 h. The chemical composition of the nanowires was varied, and their morphological features and crystalline structures were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The reversible capacity of NiMoO(4 )and Ni(0.75)Co(0.25)MoO(4 )nanowire electrodes was larger (≈520 mA h/g after 20 cycles at a rate of 196 mA/g) than that of the other nanowires. This enhanced electrochemical performance of Ni(x)Co(1-x)MoO(4 )nanowires with high Ni content was ascribed to their larger surface area and efficient electron transport path facilitated by their one-dimensional nanostructure.