Discovery of a three-proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide leading to enhanced charge storage capacity

Yongjiu Lei, Wenli Zhao, Jun Yin, Yinchang Ma, Zhiming Zhao, Jian Yin, Yusuf Khan, Mohamed Nejib Hedhili, Long Chen, Qingxiao Wang, Youyou Yuan, Xixiang Zhang, Osman M. Bakr, Omar F. Mohammed and Husam N. Alshareef ()
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Yongjiu Lei: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Wenli Zhao: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Jun Yin: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Yinchang Ma: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Zhiming Zhao: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Jian Yin: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Yusuf Khan: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Mohamed Nejib Hedhili: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Long Chen: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Qingxiao Wang: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Youyou Yuan: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Xixiang Zhang: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Osman M. Bakr: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Omar F. Mohammed: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Husam N. Alshareef: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The α-molybdenum trioxide has attracted much attention for proton storage owing to its easily modified bilayer structure, fast proton insertion kinetics, and high theoretical specific capacity. However, the fundamental science of the proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide has not been fully understood. Herein, we uncover a three-proton intercalation mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide using a specially designed phosphoric acid based liquid crystalline electrolyte. The semiconductor-to-metal transition behavior and the expansion of the lattice interlayers of α-molybdenum trioxide after trapping one mole of protons are verified experimentally and theoretically. Further investigation of the morphology of α-molybdenum trioxide indicates its fracture behavior upon the proton intercalation process, which creates diffusion channels for hydronium ions. Notably, the observation of an additional redox behavior at low potential endows α-molybdenum trioxide with an improved specific discharge capacity of 362 mAh g−1.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41277-8

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