Molybdenum Diselenide Nanosheet Applications in Ion Storage Batteries

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂) nanosheets, as a member of the transition metal dichalcogenide family, exhibit a layered structure with expanded interlayer spacing, high theoretical capacity and favourable electronic properties. These two-dimensional materials enable rapid ion intercalation and surface redox reactions, making them promising anode candidates for lithium-ion, sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries. Key challenges such as low intrinsic conductivity, drastic volume changes during cycling and sluggish reaction kinetics have driven diverse strategies: strain engineering to modulate redox thermodynamics, heterostructure formation with carbonaceous supports or other chalcogenides to enhance charge transfer, and interface engineering via intermediate compounds or templated architectures to stabilise nanosheet morphology. Recent efforts have demonstrated MoSe₂-based electrodes with ultrafast pseudocapacitive behaviour, prolonged cycle life and high rate capability, underscoring their potential for large-scale and sustainable energy storage.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have shown that tensile-strained MoSe₂ nanosheets can transfer lattice distortion to discharged metallic phases, thereby modulating the Gibbs free energy of sodium storage reactions. This inherited strain upshifts the d-band centre of molybdenum closer to the Fermi level, strengthening the adsorption of Na₂Se and lowering the energy barrier for reversible redox cycling. As a result, strained MoSe₂ exhibits markedly improved reaction kinetics, excellent capacity retention and highly reversible sodium storage.

In parallel, the construction of MXene/MoSe₂@C heterostructures has been explored as a universal anode design for lithium, sodium and potassium ion batteries. Atomistic simulations reveal ion-migration pathways and potential energy landscapes for each ion species, highlighting competitive sodium mobility in this hybrid. Experimental evaluation confirms superior structural stability, enhanced electronic conductivity and high Coulombic efficiency across all three battery chemistries, suggesting a rational route to multi-ion-compatible electrode platforms.

Molybdenum Diselenide Nanosheet Applications in Ion Storage Batteries publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in molybdenum diselenide nanosheet applications in ion storage batteries across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanosheet: Ultra-thin two-dimensional layer of a material, typically a few atoms thick, offering high surface area.

Interlayer spacing: Distance between adjacent layers in a layered material, influencing ion diffusion and storage capacity.

Pseudocapacitance: Rapid surface redox reactions that contribute to charge storage beyond double-layer capacitance.

Gibbs free energy: Thermodynamic parameter determining the spontaneity of electrochemical reactions during ion insertion/extraction.

Heterostructure: Composite architecture formed by the intimate contact of distinct materials, enhancing electronic and ionic transport.

Coulombic efficiency: Ratio of charge output to charge input in a battery cycle, indicating reversibility and stability.

References

1. TiO2‐Coated Interlayer‐Expanded MoSe2/Phosphorus‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres for Ultrafast and Ultralong Cycling Sodium Storage. Advanced Science (2018).
2. Strain-regulated Gibbs free energy enables reversible redox chemistry of chalcogenides for sodium ion batteries. Nature Communications (2022).
3. Tuning Interface Bridging Between MoSe2 and Three-Dimensional Carbon Framework by Incorporation of MoC Intermediate to Boost Lithium Storage Capability. Nano-Micro Letters (2020).
4. Facile Fabrication of Porous MoSe2/Carbon Microspheres via the Aerosol Process as Anode Materials in Potassium-Ion Batteries. Batteries (2024).