A novel polyoxometalate-based hybrid containing a 2D [CoMo 8 O 26 ] ∞ structure as the anode for lithium-ion batteries.

The proof-of-principle of an unusual fused γ-[Mo8 O26 ]4- chain as an inorganic ligand is presented for the first time. By sharing two Mo-O edges, the γ-[Mo8 O26 ]4- subunits are propagated into a one-dimensional (1D) zig-zag chain, which acts as a purely inorganic ligand binding octahedral Co(ii) centers into a two-dimensional (2D) [CoMo8 O26 ]∞ sheet. This material exhibits high initial reversible specific capacity and stable reversible capacity when applied as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).