MoSe2 nanoflakes for zinc ion storage

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have become a highly desirable energy storage technology due to their significant advantages, such as low cost and high safety; however, the limitation of cathode materials has become a major factor restricting the development of ZIBs. Here, molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) nanoflakes were investigated for the first time as a novel cathode for ZIBs. The unique two-dimensional (2D) layered structure of MoSe2 provides convenient channels and multiple active sites for zinc (Zn) ion diffusion. MoSe2 showed a specific capacity of 30.1 mA h/g at 0.1 A/g as well as almost no capacity decay at 1.0 A/g after 1500 cycles. Further, the Zn–MoSe2 coin cell successfully excited a light-emitting diode, showing good application prospects. Moreover, there was almost no aging of the battery after cycling, thus indicating satisfactory application potential. This work broadens the application of 2D materials in ZIBs.