Galvanic Hydrogenation Reaction in Metal Oxide

Abstract Rational reforming of metal oxide has a potential importance to modulate their inherent properties toward appealing characteristics for various applications. Here, we present a detailed fundamental study of the proton migration phenomena between mediums and propose the methodology for an exquisitely controllable metal oxide hydrogenation through galvanic reactions with metallic cation under ambient atmosphere. As a proof of concept for hydrogenation, we study the role of proton adoption on the structural properties of molybdenum trioxide, as a representative, and its impact on redox characteristics in Li-ion battery (LiB) systems using electrochemical experiments and first-principles calculation. The proton adoption contributes to a lattice rearrangement facilitating the faster Li-ion diffusion along the selected layered and mediates the diffusion pathway that promote the enhancements of high rate performance and cyclic stability. Our work provides great physicochemical insights of hydrogenations and underscores the viable approach for improving the redox characteristics of layered oxide materials.