We report a simple and effective carbon-free nanocoating strategy for large-scale synthesis of Mo2N nanolayer coated MoO2 hollow nanostructures. This strategy only involves commercial MoO3 powders reacted with reduced gas. The carbon-free nanocoating of Mo2N is highly effective in improving the electrochemical properties of MoO2, promising advanced batteries with high specific capacity up to 815 mA h g−1, long cycle-life (e.g., >100 cycles) and high rate capability compared with the carbon nanocoating commonly used in electrode materials. The present nitride-nanocoating strategy is facile but effective, and therefore it is very promising for large-scale industrial production. It may be extended to prepare other metal oxides with nitride coating nanolayers to enhance their performances as electrode materials.
