Rod-Shaped Bi₂Se₃ Prepared by Alkoxide Precursors for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Electrode material is an important factor in improving the overall performance of a battery. Metal selenides with a two-dimensional layered structure, high conductivity, and large interlayer spacing have been rapidly developed into cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, nanolayered Bi2Se3 were synthesized through a combination of alkoxide and solvothermal methods for the cathode materials of aqueous ZIBs. The influence of l-ascorbic acid and hydrothermal time on the crystallographic structure and morphology of the materials was examined. The samples prepared with a 24 h hydrothermal treatment exhibited superior Zn storage capabilities. At a current density of 0.5 A g–1, the prepared sample shows a reversible specific capacity of 139.2 mA h g–1 with a capacity retention rate up to 92% after 200 charging–discharging processes. It was able to be cycled 500 cycles at 1 A g–1 with a Coulombic efficiency close to 100% and a capacity retention rate of 76%, demonstrating good reversibility and cycling stability of prepared Bi2Se3 for ZIBs.