Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 February 2011
Ternary oxides with general formula MMoO4 (where M is a 3d-transitional metal) were characterized as cathode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries by galvanostatic charge-discharge technique and cyclic voltammetry. The significant capacity fading after the first cycle of lithium insertion/removal takes place for different copper molybdates (standard a-CuMoO4and high-pressure modification CuMoO4 –III) corresponding to the irreversible copper reduction and formation of Li2MoO4 during the first discharge. X-ray powder diffraction data reveal the decomposition of pristine ZnMoO4 by electrochemical reaction, lithium zink oxide with the NaCl-type structure and Li2MoO3 seem to be formed.