In this work, we have optimized titanium doping (Ti4+) into the CoMoO4 nanorod anode material to improve
its
intrinsic behavior, such as low electrical conductivity, poor cycling
stability, and large volume expansion/contraction during (de) lithiation
for lithium-ion battery applications. Among all the doping concentrations
of 5, 20, and 40 wt %, the CoMoO4 nanorod anode with 20
wt % doping exhibits high reversible capacity, better cycling stability,
and superior rate capability. It is believed that Ti4+ doping
generates two extra electrons corresponding to cationic (Mo6+) vacancy and leads to anionic (O2–) vacancy in
the CoMoO4 crystal lattice. In addition, though XPS results
demonstrate the partial reduction of Mo6+ to Mo5+ species after doping, it is believed that one extra electron in
the d-orbital may also help to alleviate the electronic conductivity
and enhance the diffusion rate of Li+ ions. As per the
structural refinement results, it is found that the 5 wt % Ti-doped
sample forms a solid solution, whereas 20 and 40 wt % Ti-doped samples
show excess Ti, which is present in the form of TiO2 as
an additional phase, resulting in the generation of the CoMoO4@TiO2 nanocomposite. The superior electrochemical
performances of the 20 wt % Ti-doped CoMoO4 anode can be
accounted for the high mobility of Li+ ions due to the
optimum doping concentration, proper defects, and synergistic effect
of TiO2 nanoparticles, which are stuck to the surface of
the CoMoO4 nanorods, resulting in improved electronic conductivity
and excellent cycling stability of the host material.