Metal-Organic Framework-Derived ZnSe- and Co0.85Se-Filled Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanocubes Interconnected by Reduced Graphene Oxide for Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes

Transition-metal selenides have been considered as one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and excellent rate performance. However, rapid capacity decay and poor cycling stability limit their practical application as the anode for SIBs. Carbon coating is one of the most effective ways to solve the above problems, but the thickness and uniformity of the coating layer are difficult to control. Herein, we successfully synthesize metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived porous N-doped carbon nanocubes homogeneously filled with ZnSe and Co0.85Se and interconnected by reduced graphene oxide (ZCS@NC@rGO). ZCS@NC@rGO with more active sites and the synergistic effect of the ZnSe and Co0.85Se heterojunction can enhance the sodium storage performance. The porous carbon nanocubes effectively prevent the agglomeration of active particles, and the rGO acting as a carbon network can significantly buffer the inevitable volume changes. At the same time, carbon nanocubes and the rGO are interconnecting to form a conductive network to accelerate electron transfer. Based on the aforementioned advantages, the ZCS@NC@rGO electrode shows an excellent sodium storage performance. Our investigation opens up a new horizon for the rational design of transition-metal selenide anodes for SIBs with a unique structure.

Automated summary

Transition-metal selenides coated with porous N-doped carbon nanocubes derived from metal-organic frameworks show enhanced sodium storage performance, with ZCS@NC@rGO electrode exhibiting excellent cycling stability and rate capability.