LAUSR

Unique self-assembled iron(II) molybdenum (IV) oxide (Fe 2 Mo 3 O 8 ) mesoporous hollow spheres have been facilely constructed via the bubble-template-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method combined with simple calcination. The compact assembly of small nanoparticles on the surface of the hollow spheres not only provides more active sites for the Fe 2 Mo 3 O 8 , but also benefits the stability of the hollow structure, and thus improved the lithium storage properties of Fe 2 Mo 3 O 8 . The Fe 2 Mo 3 O 8 mesoporous hollow spheres exhibit high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1189 and 997 mA·h·g −1 respectively, as well as good long-term cycling stability (866 mA · h · g −1 over 70 cycles) when used as a lithium-ion battery anode. This feasible material synthesis strategy will inspire the variation of structural design in other ternary metal molybdates.