Multi-scale study on a synergetic multimetal-based selenide anode with nitrogen-doped porous carbon support for high-performance lithium storage

Abstract

Transition metal selenides (TMSes) are promising substitutes for graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The deficiency of rational strategies to solve the issues of intrinsic activity, synergistic sites deficiency, and structural simplicity for TMSes restricts their application in LIBs. Herein, a hierarchical multi-metal (Fe, Co) modified nanorod-like selenide with nitrogen-coordinated porous carbon support (CoFeSe/NC) is synthesized to intensify the intrinsic activity and structural stability of the derived material via a well-designed Fe-doped ZnCo-based multi-metal organic framework as a precursor. Profiting from the synergistic effect of the N-coordinated porous carbon support, multi-metal components, and well-retained integrated architecture, the CoFeSe/NC anodes exhibit exceptional electrochemical performances with a discharge capacity retention of 775 mAh g −1 after 50 cycles at 0.2 A g −1 and ultralong cycling stability (423 mAh g −1 at 3 A g −1 up to 1000 cycles). Further detailed kinetic analysis and in situ and ex situ characterizations indicate the improved electrochemical kinetics compared to the single-metal selenides and elucidate the lithium storage mechanism of the CoFeSe/NC anodes. This work is expected to offer a guideline to construct the multi-component material with controllable intrinsic activity and induce the rapid kinetic of high-capability anodes. • A hierarchical multi-metal (Fe, Co) modified nanorod-like selenide are constructed. • Multi-metal selenides exhibit exceptional electrochemical performances. • The superior performance arise from the synergistic effect of the N-coordinated porous carbon and multi-metal components. • The adsorption and storage of Li + ions on CoSeFe/NC is more favorable and abundant than that on CoSe/NC.