Cyanide-metal framework derived porous MoO3-Fe2O3 hybrid micro- octahedrons as superior anode for lithium-ion batteries.

• Porous MoO 3 -Fe 2 O 3 hybrid micro-octahedrons were firstly synthesized. • MoO 3 -Fe 2 O 3 anode shows enhanced initial coulombic efficiency for lithium storage. • It gives an efficient strategy to fabricate MoO 3 -based anodes for advanced LIBs. A new porous MoO 3 -Fe 2 O 3 hybrid micro-octahedrons were successfully fabricated via a simple thermolysis of cyanide-metal framework precursor of Fe 2 [Mo(CN) 8 ]· x H 2 O. The uniform MoO 3 -Fe 2 O 3 micro-octahedrons (ca.1 µm) are assembled by numerous secondary nanoparticles, and the average size is about 60 nm. When used as anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the MoO 3 -Fe 2 O 3 micro-octahedrons exhibit superior electrochemical performances in terms of high initial coulombic efficiency of 81.9%, excellent cycle performance with capacity of 1218 mAh g−1 for 350 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and rate capability. The outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the strong synergy between the two components and the unique porous microstructure, which not only provide high conductivity and rich Li+ diffusion pathway for electrochemical reaction, but also reduce agglomeration and fragmentation of the electrode during charge–discharge cycle. This work provides a new direction for the design and synthesis of Mo-based electrode materials with novel structures for high performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]