Photo Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries using Nanorod Heterostructure Electrodes

New ways of directly using solar energy to charge electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries would lead to exciting developments in energy technologies. Here, a two-electrode photo-rechargeable Li-ion battery is demonstrated using nanorod of type II semiconductor heterostructures with in-plane domains of crystalline MoS2 and amorphous MoOx. The staggered energy band alignment of MoS2 and MoOx limits the electron holes recombination and cause holes to be retained in the Li intercalated MoS2 electrode. The holes generated in the MoS2 pushes the intercalated Li+ ions and hence, charge the cell. Low band gap, high efficiency photo-conversion and efficient electron-hole separation help the battery to fully charge within a few hours with a low power light. The proposed concept and materials could enable next generation stable solar chargeable battery electrodes, in contrast to the reported materials.