In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

In-doped Bi₂Se₃ hierarchical nanostructures have been synthesized by an in situ cation exchange route from their template of In₃Se₄ nanostructures. Through detailed structural, chemical, and morphological characterizations, it has been found that, after the cation exchange, the In-doped Bi₂Se₃ hierarchical nanostructures preserve the morphology of original In₃Se₄ thin nanosheet-assembled nanostructures, and the layer structure transforms from 7 atomic layers of “Se–In–Se–In–Se–In–Se” into 5 atomic layers of “Se–Bi–Se–Bi–Se”. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the synthesized In-doped Bi₂Se₃ hierarchical nanostructures show much better discharge capacity, improved cycle stability, and rate performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries compared to its undoped counterparts.