Sustainable ZIF‐67/Mo‐MXene‐Derived Nanoarchitecture Synthesis: An Enhanced Durable Performance of Lithium–Selenium Batteries

Abstract

AbstractSelenium‐based electrodes have garnered attention for their high electrical conductivity, compatibility with carbonate electrolytes, and volumetric capacity comparable to sulfur electrodes. However, real‐time application is hindered by rapid capacity deterioration from the “shuttle effect” of polyselenides and volume fluctuations. To address these challenges, a hybrid Se@ZIF‐67/Mo‐MXene‐derived (Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C) nanoarchitecture is developed via an economically viable in situ electrostatic self‐assembly of ZIF‐67 and Mo2C nanosheets. The catalytic effects and porous framework of Co‐NC/Mo2C enhance electrode attributes, promoting superior adsorption and conversion of lithium polyselenides and facile ion/electron transport within the electrode, resulting in stable electrochemical performance. Lithium–selenium batteries (LSeBs) exhibit remarkable characteristics, boasting high specific capacity and exceptional durability. The Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 503.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C with 98% capacity retention, 100% Coulombic efficiency, and exceptional cyclic durability through 8600 cycles. In sustainability tests at 10C/1C charging/discharging, the Se@Co‐NC/Mo2C electrode demonstrates an optimistic and stable capacity of ≈370.6 mAh g−1 with 93% capacity retention at the 3100th cycle in a carbonate‐based electrolyte and ≈181.3 mAh g−1 with 92% capacity retention after 5000 cycles in an ether‐based electrolyte, indicating exceptional stability for practical rechargeable batteries. This cost‐effective and efficient approach holds significant potential for high‐performance and durable LSeBs.