Synthesis and electrochemical properties of MoO3/C composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

► The MoO3/C nano-composite is synthesized by a one-pot citric-nitrate method. ► Carbon is in situ formed in the MoO3 matrix. ► MoO3/C composite powder presents a core-shell structure feature. ► The MoO3/C composite exhibits specific capacity of ca. 500 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. ► The method is of general applicability for other oxide/carbon anode materials.