Nitrogen-Doped Yolk-Shell-Structured CoSe/C Dodecahedra for High-Performance Sodium Ion Batteries

Transition Metal Selenide-Based Anodes for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries: Electronic Structure Manipulation and Heterojunction Construction Aspect

In recent years, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained a foothold in specific applications related to lithium-ion batteries, thanks to continuous breakthroughs and innovations in materials by researchers. Commercial graphite anodes suffer from small interlayer spacing (0.334 nm), limited specific capacity (200 mAh g-1), and low discharge voltage (<0.1 V), making them inefficient for high-performance operation in SIBs. Hence, the current research focus is on seeking negative electrode materials that are compatible with the operation of SIBs. Many studies have been reported on the modification of transition metal selenides as anodes in SIBs, mainly targeting the issue of poor cycling life attributed to the volume expansion of the material during sodium-ion extraction and insertion processes. However, the intrinsic electronic structure of transition metal selenides also influences electron transport and sodium-ion diffusion. Therefore, modulating their electronic structure can fundamentally improve the electron affinity of transition metal selenides, thereby enhancing their rate performance in SIBs. This work provides a comprehensive review of recent strategies focusing on the modulation of electronic structures and the construction of heterogeneous structures for transition metal selenides. These strategies effectively enhance their performance metrics as electrodes in SIBs, including fast charging, stability, and first-cycle coulombic efficiency, thereby facilitating the development of high-performance SIBs.

Progress on Copper-Based Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Fossil fuels have clearly failed to meet people's growing energy needs due to their limited reserves, potential pollution of the environment, and high costs. The development of cleaner, renewable energy sources as well as secondary batteries for energy storage is imminent, in a modern society where energy demand is soaring. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have become the focus of large-scale energy storage systems as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The development of SIBs relies on the construction of high performance electrode materials. The design of low cost and high performance anode materials is a key link in this regard. Copper-based anodes are characterized by high theoretical capacity, abundant reserves, low cost and environmental friendliness. A variety of copper-based anode materials, which include cobalt oxides, sulfides, selenides and phosphides, have been synthesized and evaluated in the scientific literature for sodium storage. In detail, the preparation methods, response mechanisms, strengths and weaknesses, the relationship between morphology structure and electrochemical performance are discussed, as well as highlighting strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of copper-based anode materials. Finally, we offer our perspective on the challenges and potential for the development of copper-based anodes as a means of developing practical and high performing SIBs.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials for Advanced Sodium Storage: Development and Anticipation

As a pioneering battery technology, even though sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are safe, non-flammable, and capable of exhibiting better temperature endurance performance than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), because of lower energy density and larger ionic size, they are not amicable for large-scale applications. Generally, the electrochemical storage performance of a secondary battery can be improved by monitoring the composition and morphology of electrode materials. Because more is the intricacy of a nanostructured composite electrode material, more electrochemical storage applications would be expected. Despite the conventional methods suitable for practical production, the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) would offer enormous opportunities for next-generation battery applications by delicately systematizing the structure and composition at the molecular level to store sodium ions with larger sizes compared with lithium ions. Here, the review comprehensively discusses the progress of nanostructured MOFs and their derivatives applied as negative and positive electrode materials for effective sodium storage in SIBs. The commercialization goal has prompted the development of MOFs and their derivatives as electrode materials, before which the synthesis and mechanism for MOF-based SIB electrodes with improved sodium storage performance are systematically discussed. Finally, the existing challenges, possible perspectives, and future opportunities will be anticipated.

Highly efficient utilization of sodium storage sites for MOF-derived carbon by rapid carbonization

Rapid carbonization within only 10 min achieves the balance of sodium storage sites and electronic conductivity for MOF-derived carbon, delivering excellent sodium storage properties. This work supplies a novel and environment-friendly method to treat MOF-derived materials in the field of electrochemistry.

Pore Perforation of Graphene Coupled with In Situ Growth of Co3 Se4 for High-Performance Na-Ion Battery

Graphene-based nanomaterials have sprung up as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to the intriguing properties of graphene itself and the synergic effect between graphene and active materials. However, the 2D graphene sheet only allows the rapid diffusion of sodium ions along the parallel direction while that of the vertical direction is difficult, limiting the rate capability of graphene-based electrode materials. To tackle this problem, pore-forming engineering has been employed to perforate graphene and concurrently achieve the in situ growth of Co₃ Se₄ nanoparticles. The generation of in-plane nanohole breaks through the physical barriers of the graphene nanosheets, enabling the fast diffusion of electrolyte ions in the longitudinal direction. In addition, this design limits the aggregation of Co₃ Se₄ nanoparticles because of the high affinity of Co₃ Se₄ on graphene. Benefiting from the high conductivity and fast ion transport bestowed by the ingenious architecture, the Co₃ Se₄ /holey graphene exhibits a remarkable rate performance of 519.5 mAh g^-1 at 5.0 A g^-1 and desirable cycle stability. Conclusions drawn from this investigation are that the transport of sodium inside the graphene-based composites is crucial for rate performance enhancement and this method is effective in modifying graphene-based nanomaterials as potential anode materials.

Metal Selenides Anode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries: Synthesis, Modification, and Application

The powerful and rapid development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in secondary batteries field makes lithium resources in short supply, leading to rising battery costs. Under the circumstances, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with low cost, inexhaustible sodium reserves, and analogous work principle to LIBs, have evolved as one of the most anticipated candidates for large-scale energy storage devices. Thereinto, the applicable electrode is a core element for the smooth development of SIBs. Among various anode materials, metal selenides (MSe_x ) with relatively high theoretical capacity and unique structures have aroused extensive interest. Regrettably, MSe_x suffers from large volume expansion and unwished side reactions, which result in poor electrochemistry performance. Thus, strategies such as carbon modification, structural design, voltage control as well as electrolyte and binder optimization are adopted to alleviate these issues. In this review, the synthesis methods and main reaction mechanisms of MSe_x are systematically summarized. Meanwhile, the major challenges of MSe_x and the corresponding available strategies are proposed. Furthermore, the recent research progress on layered and nonlayered MSe_x for application in SIBs is presented and discussed in detail. Finally, the future development focuses of MSe_x in the field of rechargeable ion batteries are highlighted.

Insights into Electrochemical Processes of Hollow Octahedral Co3Se4@rGO for High-Rate Sodium Ion Storage

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs), as an alternative and promising energy storage system, have attracted considerable attention due to the abundant reserves and low cost of sodium. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve high capacity and rate capability required for practical applications. Herein, hollow octahedral Co₃Se₄ particles encapsulated in reduced graphene oxide (Co₃Se₄@rGO) were designed and synthesized and exhibited excellent electrochemical performances as anodes of SIBs, especially rate capability. Sodiation/desodiation processes and involved mechanisms were investigated by using in situ TEM and in situ XRD. During sodiation, a crystalline Na₂Se layer with numerous amorphous fine Co nanoparticles dispersed on it was observed to appear on the surface of the original Co₃Se₄@rGO particles, and the movable Co-Na₂Se composites further migrated to the rGO network with high electron/ion dual conductivity, resulting in ultrafast sodium storage kinetics and remarkable rate performance of the Co₃Se₄@rGO anode evidenced by delivering a discharge capacity of 229.3 mAh g^-1 at a large current density of 50 A g^-1. Our findings reveal the fundamental mechanism behind the enhanced performance of the Co₃Se₄@rGO anode and offer valuable insights into the rational design of electrode materials for high-performance SIBs.

Facile Synthesis of CoSe/Co3O4-CNTs/NF Composite Electrode for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor

Electrode materials are key factors for supercapacitors to endow them with excellent electrochemical properties. Here, a novel hybrid structure of a CoSe/Co₃O₄-CNTs binder free composite electrode on nickel foam was prepared via a facile flame method, followed by an electrodeposition process. Benefitting from the synergetic effects of the multicomponent (with low resistances of 1.542 Ω cm² and a moderate mesoporous size of 3.12 nm) and the enlarged specific surface area of the composite material (77.4 m² g^-1), the CoSe/Co₃O₄-CNTs composite electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 2906 F g^-1 at 5 mV s^-1 with an excellent rate stability. The fabricated CoSe/Co3O4-CNTs/NF//AC ASC exhibits a high energy density of 43.4 Wh kg^-1 at 0.8 kW kg^-1 and a long cycle life (92.7% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles).

Advances and challenges in metal selenides enabled by nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage applications

The development of nanomaterials and their related electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices can provide solutions for improving the performance and development of existing EES systems owing to their high electronic conductivity and ion transport and abundant embeddable sites. Recent progress has demonstrated that metal selenides are attracting increasing attention in the field of EES because of their unique structures, high theoretical capacities, rich element resources, and high conductivity. However, there are still many challenges in their application in EES, and thus the use of nanoscale metal selenide materials in commercial devices is limited. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the nanostructured design of metal selenides (e.g., zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional, and self-supported structures) and present their advantages in terms of EES performance. Moreover, some remarks on the potential challenges and research prospects of nanostructured metal selenides in the field of EES are presented.

MOFs-Derived Flower-Like Hierarchically Porous Zn-Mn-Se/C Composite for Extraordinary Rate Performance and Durable Anode of Sodium-Ion and Potassium-Ion Batteries

The slow kinetics and poor structural stability prevent transition metal selenides from being widely used in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Herein, the "flower-like" porous carbon anchored by Zn-Mn binary selenides (ZMS@FC) composites are fabricated by selenizing the modified hierarchically metal-organic frameworks. The 2D conductive hierarchically flakes' abundant pore structure and multiple active sites shorten the ion diffusion length and promote conductivity, while the synergistic effect of the binary metals and intrinsic large pseudocapacitive contribution effectively improve capacity and rate performance. ZMS@FC composites exhibit impressive rate capability of 294.4 mA h g^-1 at 10 A g^-1 and excellent cyclic stability with 369.6 mA h g^-1 specific capacity retention at 2 A g^-1 after 1000 cycling in SIBs. It is noted that 156.9 mA h g^-1 can be retained at 5 A g^-1 and 227.0 mA h g^-1 is remained after 500 cycles at 2 A g^-1 in PIBs. The ex situ X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy pictures are used to confirm the conversion reaction processes of the Zn-Mn-Se. Designing high-performance energy storage materials may benefit greatly from the universal synthesis technology of bimetallic sulfide anodes for enhanced SIBs and PIBs.

In Situ Electrochemical Derivation of Sodium-Tin Alloy as Sodium-Ion Energy Storage Devices Anode with Overall Electrochemical Characteristics

Inspired by the fermentation of multiple small bread embryos to form large bread embryos, in this study, the expansion of tin foil inlaid with sodium rings in the process of repeated sodium inlaid and removal was utilized to maximum extent to realize the formation of sodium-tin alloy anode and the improvement of sodium storage characteristics. The special design of Sn foil inlaid with Na ring realized the in-situ electrochemical formation of fluffy porous sodium-tin alloy, effectively alleviated the volume expansion and shrinkage of non-electrochemical active Sn metal, and inhibited the generation of sodium dendrites. The abundance of sodium ions provided by the Na metal ring compensated for the active sodium components consumed during the repeated formation of SEI. When sodium-tin alloy in situ derived by Sn foil inlaid with Na ring was used as negative electrodes matched with SCDC and Na0.91MnO2 hexagonal tablets (NMO HTs) positive electrodes, the as-assembled sodium-ion energy storage devices present high specific capacity and excellent cycle stability.

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 67-Derived Ce-Doped CoP@N-Doped Carbon Hollow Polyhedron as High-Performance Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 67 (ZIF-67) and its derivates have attracted extensive interest for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, Cerium-doped cobalt phosphide@nitrogen-doped carbon (Ce-doped CoP@NC) with hollow polyhedron structure materials were successfully synthesized via ionic-exchange with Co and Ce ions using the ZIF-67 as a template followed with a facile low-temperature phosphorization treatment. Benefitting from the well-designed hollow polyhedron, steady carbon network, and Ce-doping structural merits, the as-synthesized Ce-doped CoP@NC electrode demonstrated superior performance as the anode in LIBs: a superior cyclability (400 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles) and outstanding rate-capability (590 mA h g−1, reverted to 100 mA g−1). These features not only produced more lithium-active sites for LIBs anode and a shorter Li-ion diffusion pathway to expedite the charge transfer, but also the better tolerance against volume variation of CoP during the repeated lithiation/delithiation process and greater electronic conductivity properties. These results provide a methodology for the design of well-organized ZIFs and rare earth element-doped transition metal phosphate with a hollow polyhedron structure.

Constructing Heterostructured Bimetallic Selenides on an N-Doped Carbon Nanoframework as Anodes for Ultrastable Na-Ion Batteries

Transition-metal selenides have been recognized as a class of promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) on account of their high capacity. Nevertheless, the sluggish conversion kinetics and rapid capacity decay caused by insufficient conductivity and volume change restrain their applications. Herein, hollow heterostructured bimetallic selenides embedded in an N-doped carbon nanoframework (H-CoSe₂/ZnSe@NC) were prepared via a facile template-engaged method. Benefiting from the rich defect at the phase boundary of the CoSe₂/ZnSe heterostructure, pre-reserved cavity, and enhanced structure rigidity, the abovementioned issues are resolved at once, and the accelerated charge transportation kinetics traced by spectroscopy techniques and theoretical calculations certify the interface effect in the capacity release. In addition, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy all confirm the high-reversible electrochemical conversion mechanism in H-CoSe₂/ZnSe@NC. Together with a reasonable structural architecture and the highly reversible conversion reaction, H-CoSe₂/ZnSe@NC displays a prominent rate capacity (244.8 mA h g^-1 at 10 A g^-1) as well as an ultralong lifespan (10,000 cycles at 10 A g^-1), highlighting the significance of structure control in fabricating high-performance anodes for SIBs.

MOF-Derived Bifunctional Co0.85Se Nanoparticles Embedded in N-Doped Carbon Nanosheet Arrays as Efficient Sulfur Hosts for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries possess the merits of low cost and high theoretical energy density but suffer from the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and slow redox kinetics of sulfur. Herein, novel Co_0.85Se nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet arrays (Co_0.85Se/NC) were constructed on carbon cloth as the self-supported host for a sulfur cathode using a facile fabrication strategy. The interconnected porous carbon-based structure of the Co_0.85Se/NC could facilitate the rapid electron and ion transfer kinetics. The embedded Co_0.85Se nanoparticles can effectively capture and catalyze lithium polysulfides, thus accelerating the redox kinetics and stabilizing sulfur cathodes. Therefore, the Co_0.85Se/NC-S cathode could maintain a stable cycle performance for 400 cycles at 1C and deliver a high discharge specific capacity of 1361, 1001, and 810 mAh g^-1 at current densities of 0.1, 1, and 3C, respectively. This work provides an efficient design strategy for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy densities.

High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries with Robust Stability Based on N/S-Codoped Hollow Carbon Nanocubes

Currently, a big challenge for the practical use of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) is their intrinsically poor cycling stability, due to the relatively large radius of K⁺ and sluggish kinetics for intercalation/deintercalation. Here we report the scalable fabrication of N/S-codoped hollow carbon nanocubes (NSHCCs), which have the potential as an electrode for advanced PIBs with robust stability. Their discharge and charge specific capacities are ∼560 mA h g^-1 and 310 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 50 mA g^-1, respectively. Meanwhile, they exhibit 100% specific capacity retention after 620 cycles over 9 months at a low current density of 50 mA g^-1, which is state-of-the-art among carbon materials. Moreover, they demonstrate nearly no sacrifice in specific capacities with 99.9% retention after 3000 cycles over 4 months under a high current density of 1000 mA g^-1, superior to most carbon analogues for potassium storage previously reported. The improved electrochemical performance of NSHCC can be mainly attributed to the unique hollow carbon nanocubes with incorporated N and S dopants, which can expand the carbon layer spacing, facilitate K⁺ adsorption, and relieve the volume change during the intercalation/deintercalation of K⁺ ions.

Fabrication of CoSe@NC nanocubes for high performance potassium ion batteries

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are considered as a promising candidate for large-scale energy storage. While exploring suitable anode materials are of vital need for the practical applications of PIBs. Herein, a well-designed heterostructured anode material CoSe nanocubes wrapped by N-doped carbon (CoSe@NC), has been successfully fabricated by simple annealing ZIF-67 nanocubes followed by in-situ selenization process. It is noted that ZIF-67 nanocubes are used as an effective template for the formation of porous structure, which can facilitate the construction of heterogeneous interface between CoSe and N-doped carbon (NC), effectively stabilizing CoSe with conversion reaction product Co⁰, increasing the diffusion mobility of electrons and K⁺-ions, and alleviating huge volume change. As expected, the heterostructured CoSe@NC nanocubes exhibit excellent K⁺-storage performance, which can display a rather high initial charge capacity (388.7 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 with the columbic efficiency of 70%), superior cyclic stability (309.6 mA h g^-1 after 500 cycles at 2 A g^-1), and exceptional rate capability (365.9 mAh g^-1 at 2 A g^-1). In terms of the low-cost and facile production approach for CoSe@NC, which makes the CoSe@NC a promising anode material for PIBs.

Self-assembly of carbon nanotubes on a hollow carbon polyhedron to enhance the potassium storage cycling stability of metal organic framework-derived metallic selenide anodes

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) is increasingly studied because of their suitable redox potential and high natural abundance. However, potential anode materials with long-term cycling stability are still in high demand because of the large radius of K⁺. Herein, an MOF-derived hierarchical carbon structure and the self-assembly of CNTs on hollow carbon polyhedrons are used as carbon matrices to disperse and stabilize metal selenides(Co-Se@CNNCP). When the hybrid is utilized in PIBs, it displays a specific capacity of 410 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 after 80 cycles and 253 mA h g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1 after 200 cycles with a capacity retention of 100%, while the metal selenides dispersed on hollow carbon polyhedrons without CNTs (Zn-Co-Se@NCP) lose 86% of their capacity after 200 cycles. The superior cycling stability of the hybrid is mainly attributed to the large amounts of CNTs suppressing the agglomeration of the metal selenide nanoparticles on the surface, and the hollow carbon polyhedrons cause a high structural integrity during the repreated K⁺ insertion and extraction process. This work offers a feasible route to design a hierarchical carbon matrix for use as the anode materials of PIBs with long-term cycling stability.

Three-dimensional microspheres constructed with MoS2 nanosheets supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for optimized sodium storage

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been regarded as a promising anode material in the field of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), with the advantages of high theoretical capacity and large interlayer spacings. Unfortunately, its intrinsic poor electrical conductivity and large volume changes during the sodiation/desodiation reactions still limit its practical application. To deal with this shortcoming, we built MoS2 nanosheet/multiwalled carbon nanotube (denoted as MoS2-MSs/MWCNTs) composites with a three-dimensional (3D) micro-spherical structure, assembled in situ from MoS2 nanosheets. These nanosheets are connected to each other by the MWCNTs network, which provides a highly conductive pathway for electrons/ions through interparticle and intraparticle interfaces, accelerating charge transfer and ion diffusion capabilities. More importantly, the carbon network can boost electrical conductivity and relieve structural strain. Consequently, the as-prepared MoS2-MSs/MWCNTs composite presents a high reversible specific capacity of 519 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 100 cycles with a capacity retention of 94.4% and excellent rate performance (227 mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1). Outstanding cycling stability was also achieved (327.1 mA h g-1 over 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1) and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Our findings provide a simple and effective strategy to explore anode materials with advanced sodium storage properties.

Nitrogen-Coordinated CoS2@NC Yolk-Shell Polyhedrons Catalysts Derived from a Metal-Organic Framework for a Highly Reversible Li-O2 Battery

Transition-metal sulfides (TMS) are one of the most promising cathode catalysts for Li-O₂ batteries (LOBs) owing to their excellent stabilities and inherent metallicity. In this work, a highly efficient mode has been used to synthesize Co@CNTs [pyrolysis products of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)]-derived CoS₂(CoS)@NC. Benefiting from the special yolk-shell hierarchical porous morphology, the existence of Co-N bonds, and dual-function catalytic activity (ORR/OER) of the open metal sites contributed by MOFs, the CoS₂@NC-400/AB electrode illustrated excellent charge-discharge cycling for up to nearly 100 times at a current density of 0.1 mA cm^-2 under a limited capacity of 500 mA h g^-1 (based on the total weight of CoS₂@NC and AB) with a high discharge voltage plateau and a low charge cut-off voltage. Meanwhile, the average transferred electron number (n) is around 3.7 per O₂ molecule for CoS₂@NC-400, which is the chief approach for a four-electron pathway of the ORR under alkaline media. Therefore, we believe that the novel CoS₂@NC-400/AB electrode could serve as an excellent catalyst in the LOBs.

In situ hierarchical encapsulation of bimetallic selenides into honeycomb-like nitrogen doped porous carbon nanosheets for highly sensitive and selective guanosine detection

An innovative electrochemical nanocomposite for the detection of guanosine (Gua) was proposed by in situ encapsulation of nickel-iron bimetallic selenides confined into honeycomb-like nitrogen doped porous carbon nanosheets, denoted as (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs. The porous carbon nanosheets were prepared by utilizing nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (Ni-Fe LDH) as the substrate and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-67) nanocrystals as the sacrificial templates via hydrothermal synthesis, followed by a process of acid etching and pyrolysis selenylation. Interestingly, the nickel-ferric bimetallic selenides material (Ni,Fe)Se₂, is rarely fabricated successfully using selenylation treatment, which is a highly conductive and robust support to promote the electron transport. Meanwhile, the obtained (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs have the favorable architectural features of both unique three-dimensional (3D) porous structural and hierarchical connectivity, which are expected to provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions and ease of electron, ion, and biomolecule penetration. Benefiting from the inherent virtues of its composition, together with unique structural advantages, the (Ni,Fe)Se₂/N-PCNs possess ideal sensing properties for guanosine detection with a low detection limit of 1.20 × 10^-8 M, a wide linear range of 5.30 × 10^-8 ~ 2.27 × 10^-4 M and a good stability. Superb selectivity for potential interfering species and superb recoveries in serum suggests its feasibility for practical applications.

Homogeneous triple-phase interfaces enabling one-pot route to metal compound/carbon composites

Metal compounds (e.g., metal phosphides/sulfides/selenides) coupled with carbon materials have recently drawn great attraction for boosting the electrochemical performances because of their appealing synergistic effect and valuable structural stability. Despite many examples for their synthesis exist, there is still a need for a simplistic and comprehensive approach to such metal compound/carbon (MC/C) composites. Herein, an effective, facile, yet versatile strategy to produce various types of MC/C composites is presented. Key to this strategy is construction of a homogeneous triple-phase interface, which is realized by utilization of a hybrid assembly integrated with carbon, metal and sulfide (or selenide, phosphide) precursors through coupling metal cations with anion groups of a functional polymer. Such an intimately binding carbon-metal-sulfide (or selenide, phosphide) interface structure enables the successful in situ generation of MC nanoparticles uniformly encapsulated into the carbon matrix just after a one-step carbonization treatment. The present synthetic strategy provides remarkable adjustability, predictability and generality to facilely fabricate a series of MC/C composites, offering sufficient freedom to explore their unique energy storage/conversation properties. As a proof of concept, the as-prepared SnS/C composite exhibits superior lithium ion and potassium ion storage capabilities when used as anode materials for alkali-metal ion batteries. The present work provides impressive insights into the design principles for MC/C composites that are the potential materials in targeted application fields, and opens up an efficacious avenue for their facile synthesis as well.

Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic framework/biomass-derived CoSe/C@C hierarchical structures with excellent sodium storage performance

Metal selenide has attracted much attention for use in rechargeable batteries due to its excellent conductivity and considerable capacity. However, it is still necessary to achieve a long cycle life and excellent Na+ storage performance to enable its practical application. Volume expansion and poor stability of selenide during operation also hinder its industrial applications. As metal-organic frameworks and aerogels possess porous structures, carbon materials derived from them can effectively reduce the volume expansion of selenide, resulting in improving cycling stability and enhancing Na+ storage. In this work, CoSe/C@C composites with a hierarchical structure were successfully prepared by freeze-drying and in situ selenization as anode materials. The CoSe/C@C composites exhibited superior cycling stability (a capacity of 332.3 mA h g-1) and capacity retention (63.1% compared to the second cycle) at 200 mA g-1, after 500 cycles. CoSe/C@C also exhibited a high rate performance of 403.4 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1. Moreover, thanks to the high capacitance contribution and some redox reactions during cycling, the CoSe/C@C electrode possesses outstanding rate capability.

CoSe@N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as a Potassium-Ion Battery Anode with High Initial Coulombic Efficiency and Superior Capacity Retention

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have gained significant interest in recent years from the battery research community because potassium is an earth-abundant and redox-active metal, thus having the potential to replace lithium-ion batteries for sustainable energy storage. However, the current development of KIBs is critically challenged by the lack of competitive electrode materials that can reversibly store large amounts of K⁺ and electrolyte systems that are compatible with the electrode materials. Here, we report that cobalt monochalcogenide (CoSe) nanoparticles confined in N-doped carbon nanotubes (CoSe@NCNTs) can be used as a K⁺-storing electrode. The CoSe@NCNT composite exhibits a high initial Columbic efficiency (95%), decent capacity (435 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1), and stability (282 mAh g^-1 2.0 A g^-1 after 500 cycles) in a 1 M KPF₆-DME electrolyte with K as the anode over the voltage range from 0.01 to 3.0 V. A full KIB cell consisting of this anode and a Prussian blue cathode also shows excellent electrochemical performance (228 mAh g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1 after 200 cycles). We show that the NCNT shell is effective not only in providing high electronic conductivity for fast charge transfer but also in accommodating the volume changes during cycling. We also provide experimental and theoretical evidence that KPF₆ in the electrolyte plays a catalytic role in promoting the formation of a polymer-like film on the CoSe surface during the initial activation process, and this amorphous film is of critical importance in preventing the dissolution of polyselenide intermediates into the electrolyte, stabilizing the Co⁰/K₂Se interface, and realizing the reversibility of Co⁰/K₂Se conversion.

Hierarchical NiCo2Se4 nanoneedles/nanosheets with N-doped 3D porous graphene architecture as free-standing anode for superior sodium ion batteries

In order to cope with the problem of insufficient lithium metal reserves, sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are proposed and extensively studied for the next-generation batteries. In our work, hierarchical NiCo₂Se₄ nanoneedles/nanosheets are deposited on the skeleton of N-doped three dimensional porous graphene (NPG) by a convenient solvothermal method and subsequent gas-phase selenization process. Compared with NiCo₂Se₄ powder, the optimized NiCo₂Se₄/N-doped porous graphene composite (denoted as NCS@NPG) as self-supporting anode exhibits the excellent electrode activity for SIBs, with a specific capacity of 500 mAh/g and 257 mAh/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g and 6.4 A/g, respectively. The high specific capacity as well as rate capacity can be attributed to the three-dimensional graphene skeleton with high electrical conductivity and pore structure, which provides convenient ion and electron transmission channels.

MOF-Derived CoSe2@N-Doped Carbon Matrix Confined in Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres as High-Performance Anodes for Potassium-Ion Batteries

In this work, a novel vacuum-assisted strategy is proposed to homogenously form Metal-organic frameworks within hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres (HMCSs) via a solid-state reaction. The method is applied to synthesize an ultrafine CoSe2 nanocrystal@N-doped carbon matrix confined within HMCSs (denoted as CoSe2@NC/HMCS) for use as advanced anodes in high-performance potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). The approach involves a solvent-free thermal treatment to form a Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) within the HMCS templates under vacuum conditions and the subsequent selenization. Thermal treatment under vacuum facilitates the infiltration of the cobalt precursor and organic linker into the HMCS and simultaneously transforms them into stable ZIF-67 particles without any solvents. During the subsequent selenization process, the "dual confinement system", composed of both the N-doped carbon matrix derived from the organic linker and the small-sized pores of HMCS, can effectively suppress the overgrowth of CoSe2 nanocrystals. Thus, the resulting uniquely structured composite exhibits a stable cycling performance (442 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 120 cycles) and excellent rate capability (263 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1) as the anode material for KIBs.

Rational Design of Hierarchical Structural CoSe@NPC/CoSe@CNT Nanocomposites Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks as a Robust Pt-free Electrocatalyst for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Transition-metal compounds/carbon hybrids with high electrocatalytic capability possess attractive potential as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, the simple structure and agglomeration always result in poor performance. Herein, cobalt selenides confined in hollow N-doped porous carbon interconnected by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with cobalt selenides encapsulated inside (denoted as CoSe@NPC/CoSe@CNTs) are formed through in situ pyrolysis and selenization process. In this strategy, ZIF-67 is used as the precursor, structure inducer, and carbon source for the orientated growth of CNTs. Such a rational architecture provides a stable interconnected conductive network and a hierarchically porous structure, with more available active sites and a shortened pathway for charge transport, synergistically enhancing the electrocatalytic activity. Specifically, the DSSCs based on CoSe@NPC/CoSe@CNTs demonstrate a high efficiency of 7.36%, even superior to that of Pt (7.16%). Furthermore, the CoSe@NPC/CoSe@CNT CE also demonstrates a good long-term stability in the iodine-based electrolyte.

Bimetallic organic framework derivation of three-dimensional and heterogeneous metal selenides/carbon composites as advanced anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Heterogeneous structures have been attracting increasing attention in energy storage and conversion applications due to the phase interface and synergistic effect of multiple components. Herein, bimetal organic framework analogues were introduced to construct a Zn/Co bimetallic selenide heterostructure within a 3D-porous N-doped carbon matrix by a NaCl template-assisted lyophilization and annealing process. The cross-linked 3D network can enhance the transport kinetics for both lithium ions and electrons. The stress resulting from the cycling process can be released by interconnected channels in the composite. ZnSe and CoSe₂ experience electrochemical reactions at different potentials, which can buffer volume changes mutually to effectively increase structural stability. Meanwhile, abundant active sites due to the heterostructure enhance pseudocapacitive performance and reaction kinetics, resulting in high specific capacity and good rate performance. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the three-dimensional ZnSe/CoSe₂-C composite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 700 mA h g^-1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g^-1.

Construction of Bimetallic Selenides Encapsulated in Nitrogen/Sulfur Co-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for High-Performance Sodium/Potassium-Ion Half/Full Batteries

Metallic selenides have been widely investigated as promising electrode materials for metal-ion batteries based on their relatively high theoretical capacity. However, rapid capacity decay and structural collapse resulting from the larger-sized Na⁺ /K⁺ greatly hamper their application. Herein, a bimetallic selenide (MoSe₂ /CoSe₂ ) encapsulated in nitrogen, sulfur-codoped hollow carbon nanospheres interconnected reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGO@MCSe) are successfully designed as advanced anode materials for Na/K-ion batteries. As expected, the significant pseudocapacitive charge storage behavior substantially contributes to superior rate capability. Specifically, it achieves a high reversible specific capacity of 311 mAh g^-1 at 10 A g^-1 in NIBs and 310 mAh g^-1 at 5 A g^-1 in KIBs. A combination of ex situ X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy tests reveals the phase transition of rGO@MCSe in NIBs/KIBs. Unexpectedly, they show quite different Na⁺ /K⁺ insertion/extraction reaction mechanisms for both cells, maybe due to more sluggish K⁺ diffusion kinetics than that of Na⁺ . More significantly, it shows excellent energy storage properties in Na/K-ion full cells when coupled with Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₂ O₂ F and PTCDA@450 °C cathodes. This work offers an advanced electrode construction guidance for the development of high-performance energy storage devices.

The Progress of Cobalt-Based Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries and Sodium Ion Batteries

Limited by the development of energy storage technology, the utilization ratio of renewable energy is still at a low level. Lithium/sodium ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) with high-performance electrochemical performances, such as large-scale energy storage, low costs and high security, are expected to improve the above situation. Currently, developing anode materials with better electrochemical performances is the main obstacle to the development of LIBs/SIBs. Recently, a variety of studies have focused on cobalt-based anode materials applied for LIBs/SIBs, owing to their high theoretical specific capacity. This review systematically summarizes the recent status of cobalt-based anode materials in LIBs/SIBs, including Li+/Na+ storage mechanisms, preparation methods, applications and strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of cobalt-based anode materials. Furthermore, the current challenges and prospects are also discussed in this review. Benefitting from these results, cobalt-based materials can be the next-generation anode for LIBs/SIBs.

Cobalt phosphide (Co2P) encapsulated in nitrogen-rich hollow carbon nanocages with fast rate potassium ion storage

Co₂P nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanocages (Co₂P@NCCs) as potassium ion battery anodes with state-of-the-art 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.

Construction of hierarchical cobalt-molybdenum selenide hollow nanospheres architectures for high performance battery-supercapacitor hybrid devices

Transition metal selenides have aroused widespread attention as a class of emerging electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors attributed to their featured with high theoretical capacitance and low electronegativity. Nevertheless, their practical applications are seriously restricted by the large volume expansion during high-rate charge/discharge. It is imperative to reasonably construct tunable composition and attractive architectures for electrode materials at nanoscale to mitigate the issues. Herein, hierarchical cobalt-molybdenum selenide (denoted as CoSe₂/MoSe₂-3-1) hollow nanospheres architectures are purposefully prepared via an efficient gas bubble-templated method combined with post-annealing process. Benefiting from the rationally hierarchical hollow structures and maximized utilization ratio of active materials, the novel bimetallic selenides acquire superior electrochemical performance with high specific capacity (211.97 mA h g^-1 at 1 A g^-1) and remarkable cycling stability (94.2% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 3 A g^-1). Significantly, the assembled CoSe₂/MoSe₂-3-1//activated carbon (AC) battery-supercapacitor hybrid (BSH) device renders a high energy density up to 51.84 W h kg^-1 at a power density of 799.2 W kg^-1 and preeminent cycling stability with 93.4% retention over 10,000 cycles. The present work provides an effective and rational design route to engineer advanced bimetallic selenides with hierarchical hollow structures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion.

Composition Engineering Boosts Voltage Windows for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries

Transition-metal selenides have captured sustainable research attention in energy storage and conversion field as promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries. However, for the majority of transition metal selenides, the potential windows have to compress to 0.5-3.0 V for the maintenance of cycling and rate capability, which largely sacrifices the capacity under low voltage and impair energy density for sodium full batteries. Herein, through introducing diverse metal ions, transition-metal selenides consisted of different composition doping (CoM-Se₂@NC, M = Ni, Cu, Zn) are prepared with more stable structures and higher conductivity, which exhibit superior cycling and rate properties than those of CoSe₂@NC even at a wider voltage range for sodium ion batteries. In particular, Zn²⁺ doping demonstrates the most prominent sodium storage performance among series materials, delivering a high capacity of 474 mAh g^-1 after 80 cycles at 500 mA g^-1 and rate capacities of 511.4, 382.7, 372.1, 339.2, 306.8, and 291.4 mAh g^-1 at current densities of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.0 A g^-1, respectively. The composition adjusting strategy based on metal ions doping can optimize electrochemical performances of metal selenides, offer an avenue to expand stable voltage windows, and provide a feasible approach for the construction of high specific energy sodium-ion batteries.

A Confined Replacement Synthesis of Bismuth Nanodots in MOF Derived Carbon Arrays as Binder-Free Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The inferior tolerance with reversible accommodation of large-sized Na+ ion in electrode materials has plagued the adaptability of sodium-ion chemistry. The sluggish diffusion kinetics of Na+ also baffles the desirability. Herein, a carbon fiber supported binder-free electrode consisting of bismuth and carbon composite is designed. Well-confined bismuth nanodots are synthesized by replacing cobalt in the metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-derived, nitrogen-doped carbon arrays, which are demonstrated with remarkable reversibility during sodiation and desodiation. Cobalt species in the pristine MOF catalyze the graphitization around organic components in calcination, generating a highly conductive network in which the bismuth is to be embedded. The uniformly dispersed bismuth nanodots provide plenty boundaries and abundant active sites in the carbon arrays, where fast sodium storage kinetics are realized to contribute extra capacity and excellent rate performance.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of ZnSe Electrospinning Nanofibers as an Anode Material for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries

ZnSe nitrogen-doped carbon composite nanofibers (ZnSe@N-CNFs) were derived as anode materials from selenization of electrospinning nanofibers. Electron microscopy shows that ZnSe nanoparticles are distributed in electrospinning nanofibers after selenization. Electrochemistry tests were carried out and the results show the one-dimensional carbon composite nanofibers reveal a great structural stability and electrochemistry performance by the enhanced synergistic effect with ZnSe. Even at a current density of 2 A g-1, the as-prepared electrodes can still reach up to 701.7 mA h g-1 after 600 cycles in lithium-ion batteries and 368.9 mA h g-1 after 200 cycles in sodium-ion batteries, respectively. ZnSe@N-CNFs with long cycle life and high capacity at high current density implies its promising future for the next generation application of energy storage.

Sulfur-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nitride with an Ordered Porous Structure for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Mesoporous carbon nitride (MCN) with well-ordered porous structures is a promising anode material for secondary ion batteries owing to their unique physico- and electrochemical properties. However, the practical application of these MCNs in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is still limited because of their confined interlayer distance, which results in restricted accommodation of Na ions inside the lattice. Here, we report on the synthesis of highly ordered sulfur-doped MCN (S-MCN) through a hard template approach by employing dithiooxamide (DTO) as a single molecular precursor containing carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur elements. The interlayer distance of carbon nitride is significantly expanded upon the introduction of larger S ions on the MCN lattice, which enables high capability of Na ion accommodation. We also demonstrate through the first-principles density functional theory calculation that the present S-MCN is highly optimized not only for the chemical structure but also for uptaking abundant Na ions with high adsorption energy. The specific discharge capacity of SIBs appears to be remarkably enhanced for S-MCN (304.2 mA h g^-1) compared to the nonporous S-CN (167.9 mA h g^-1) and g-C₃N₄ (5.4 mA h g^-1), highlighting the pivotal roles of the highly ordered mesoporous structure and S-doping in enhancing the electrochemical functionality of carbon nitride as an anode material for SIBs.