Steering the liquid–solid redox conversion of lithium–selenium batteries through ultrafine MoC catalyst

Abstract

Selenium cathodes have attracted much attention because of the high electronic conductivity and energy density. However, the shuttle effect of lithium polyselenides (LiPSes) leads to rapid capacity fading, hindering the practical application of lithium–selenium (Li–Se) batteries. Herein, an ultrafine MoC catalyst has been synthesized and utilized to accelerate the conversion from liquid LiPSes to solid Li₂Se₂/Li₂Se, leading to suppressed shuttle effect and thus improved battery performance. Our present study provides valuable inspiration to the future exploration for the rational design of high-efficient catalysts for practical Li–Se batteries.