Rational design of few-layer MoSe2 confined within ZnSe-C hollow porous spheres for high-performance lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries

3D nanoflower-like MoSe2 encapsulated with hierarchically anisotropic carbon architecture: a new and free-standing anode with ultra-high areal capacitance for asymmetric supercapacitors

An anisotropic carbon-supported MoSe₂ nanoflowers is designed and acts as an ultra-high areal capacitance of free-standing anode. The energy density of assembled asymmetric supercapacitor is higher than or comparable to that of some Li-ion batteries.

Template-free synthesis and lithium-ion storage performance of multiple ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow amorphous carbon shells

Due to the limited utilization of electrode materials, the rational design and facile synthesis of composite structures are still challenging issues for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a simple approach has been developed to prepare multiple core–shell structures of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in hollow amorphous carbon (AC) shells. The as-synthesized ZnO@AC composites showed a uniform dispersion of ZnO NPs, compliant buffer AC shells, and nanoscale void spaces between the ZnO NP cores and AC shells. As a result of their structural merits, the ZnO@AC composites were evaluated as anode materials for LIBs and delivered enhanced coulombic efficiency, high reversible capacity, high rate capability, and improved cycling stability.

Core–shell structure of ZnO@amorphous carbon shell was synthesized using a simple and effective method, and exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as anode of lithium-ion batteries.

Construction of hierarchical MoSe2@C hollow nanospheres for efficient lithium/sodium ion storage

Hierarchical MoSe₂@C hollow nanospheres are synthesized via an anion-exchange reaction and exhibit good electrochemical performance.

Recent progress on metal–organic framework-derived materials for sodium-ion battery anodes

Recent progress on MOF-derived materials, including carbon and metal oxides/sulfides/selenides/phosphides, as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries is summarized.

Electrospun VSe1.5/CNF composite with excellent performance for alkali metal ion batteries

Exploring advanced anode materials with excellent electrochemical performance for rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), has attracted great attention. However, low electronic conductivity, severe particle agglomeration and lack of effective synthesis methods have still greatly hampered their rapid development. Herein, we initially fabricate a novel VSe_1.5/CNF composite through a facile electrospinning method followed by selenization. The electrochemical measurements show that VSe_1.5/CNFs can enable the rapid and durable storage of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ ions. When used as an anode material for LIBs, the VSe_1.5/CNF composite delivers a high capacity of 932 mA h g^-1 after 400 cycles at a high current density of 1 A g^-1. In addition, for SIBs, the VSe_1.5/CNF composite manifests a high reversible capacity of 668 mA h g^-1 after 50 cycles and an excellent capacity of 265 mA h g^-1 at 2 A g^-1 even after an ultra-long 6000 cycles. This is one of the best performances of vanadium-based anode materials for SIBs reported so far. Most remarkably, the VSe_1.5/CNF composite also demonstrates a satisfactory reversible K⁺ storage performance. The simple synthetic route and excellent ion storage properties make the VSe_1.5/CNF composite a great prospect for application as an anode material for alkali metal ion batteries.

MOF-derived uniform Ni nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanotubes grafted on rGO nanosheets as bifunctional materials for lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen evolution reaction

The rational-design and synthesis of transition-metal compounds with outstanding electrochemical activity and durability for renewable energy systems have attracted tremendous research interest in recent years. Herein, we report a facile and unique strategy to synthesize N-doped carbon nanotube-encapsulated Ni nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Ni@NC-rGO). The optimized nanostructure determines the synergetic effects among the Ni nanoparticles, N-doped CNTs and graphene nanosheets, thus resulting in extraordinary electrochemical performances. When applied as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the Ni@NC-rGO electrode displayed high reversible capacity, stable cycling performance and superior rate capability. Moreover, the resulting Ni@NC-rGO nanocomposites exhibited low overpotential and considerable durability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Our study may provide a feasible methodology for the preparation of high-performance nanostructured materials for practical energy storage and conversion applications.