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 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 physicochemical insights of hydrogenations and underscores the viable approach for improving the redox characteristics of layered oxide materials.