Preparation and electrochemical performance study of a self-healing electrode composite material with WSe2/liquid metal Galinstan for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this work, a room temperature liquid metal alloy (Galinstan) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2) composite anode (LMx@WSe2) were synthesized utilizing a one-step hydrothermal method. Through a comprehensive characterization process, including XRD, SEM, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and BET, the structural and morphological properties of the synthesized composites were extensively explored. The liquid metal alloy was observed to combine effectively with WSe2 via electrostatic adsorption, coordination, and additional bonding methods. Furthermore, it displayed high fluidity, deformability, and chemical stability. Consequently, the alloy promoted the repair of cracked surface areas in the electrode material and reduced internal oxidation-reduction reactions, leading to improved electrochemical performance during repeated lithium-ion insertion and extraction cycles. After 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1, this composite electrode retained a capacity of 224.5 mAh g−1. Impressively, at a low temperature of − 10 °C, it maintained a capacity of 290 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. Our research may open avenues for addressing mechanical difficulties experienced in flexible electronic devices and self-healing electronic circuits exposed to chemical reaction processes.