Single-crystalline α-MoO3 microbelts derived from a bio-templating method for superior lithium storage application

Single-crystalline α-MoO3 microbelts 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-MoO3 microbelts show not only an improved electrochemical performance in terms of reversible capacity and rate capability (302 mAhg−1 and 99.4 mAhg−1 at 100 mAg−1 and 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.