Single-crystalline α-MoO₃microbelts derived from a bio-templating method for superior lithium storage application

Single-crystalline α-MoO₃microbelts with a preferred orientation of (0k0) planes are fabricated by a biological template approach using sugarcane bagasse as template. Benefiting from the excellent crystallinity and preferred orientation, single-crystalline α-MoO₃microbelts show not only an improved electrochemical performance in terms of reversible capacity and rate capability (302 mAhg⁻¹and 99.4 mAhg⁻¹at 100 mAg⁻¹and 2000 mAg⁻¹, respectively), but also an excellent cycling stability (89% of the initial discharge capacity retaining after 200 cycles), thus demonstrating a very high potential for use as a cathode in lithium-ion batteries. This biological template approach could be applied to preparation of other electrode materials for a broad variety of application.