Molecular Engineering Strategies toward Molybdenum Diselenide Design for Energy Storage and Conversion

Abstract

The development of graphene has readily accelerated the research progress on 2D materials. As a representative 2D family, transition metal dichalcogenides are widely used in the realms of energy storage and conversion. In particular, molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) has captured widespread interests owing to its unique physical and chemical properties and remarkable potential in energy applications. Nevertheless, typically, the electrochemical property of pristine MoSe2 does not meet the expectations, which necessitates the exploration and applications of proper modification strategies to achieve its full potential. Herein, several state‐of‐the‐art molecular engineering strategies are summarized, and their energy‐oriented applications are described. Furthermore, insightful information on the significance of molecular engineering methods in improving the electrochemical properties of MoSe2 and perspectives on the future developments of MoSe2 are presented. It is anticipated that the research community can use the information in this review to improve the electrochemical properties of MoSe2 targeting practical application scenarios.

Bond modulation of MoSe2+xdriving combined intercalation and conversion reactions for high-performance K cathodes

“…[3][4][5][6] Moreover, MoSe 2 has a higher conductivity (1 × 10 −3 S m −1 , Se gives rise to the metallic nature) and a larger interlayer spacing (z6.4 Å) than the corresponding suldes, suggesting that MoSe 2 can better accommodate the alkali metal ions. 6,7 However, as a 2D material, the pristine MoSe 2 tends to stack and aggregate, which has a detrimental impact on the cycling performance. 8,9 More seriously, the pristine MoSe 2 undergoes a huge volume expansion during electrochemical cycling, leading to structural collapse and poor electrochemical performance.…”

“…1,2 Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe 2 ), as a representative TMDC, is a promising electrode material for alkali metal ion batteries owing to its layered structure, chemical stability, high reversible capacity, and appropriate working potential. [3][4][5][6] Moreover, MoSe 2 has a higher conductivity (1 × 10 −3 S m −1 , Se gives rise to the metallic nature) and a larger interlayer spacing (z6.4 Å) than the corresponding suldes, suggesting that MoSe 2 can better accommodate the alkali metal ions. 6,7 However, as a 2D material, the pristine MoSe 2 tends to stack and aggregate, which has a detrimental impact on the cycling performance.…”

“…To solve the above problems, many sophisticated molecular engineering strategies have been used to modify MoSe 2 in recent years. 6,12 These molecular engineering strategies can be broadly classied into ve categories: interfacial engineering, 13 structural engineering, 14 doping engineering, 15 phase engineering 16 and defect engineering. 17 However, the improvement of performance of MoSe 2 by these traditional modication methods is very highly limited by its theoretical capacity within a specic voltage range.…”

Recent advances in molybdenum diselenide-based electrocatalysts: preparation and application in the hydrogen evolution reaction

“…Nevertheless, owing to the substitution of highly conductive Se atoms (≈1 × 10 −3 S m −1 ) with low-conductive S atoms (≈5 × 10 −28 S m −1 ), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe 2 ) is extensively attracted considerable attention as a cathodic material for HER, mainly contributable to the unique physicochemical properties, suitable hydrogen adsorption energy, high electrical conductivity, controllable phase structure, and adjustable morphological and interfacial engineering. 32–39…”

“…Li and coworkers, based on molecular engineering strategies to briefly elucidate the preparation of molybdenum diselenide, especially emphasized that the molecular engineering strategies (phase engineering, interfacial engineering, doping engineering, vacancy engineering, and structural engineering) induced the alteration of the basic properties of MoSe 2 on energy storage and conversion and pointed out the origin of the improvement of property stemming from the enhanced conductivity, increasing active sites, high electrocatalytic performance, and structural stability. 39 Obviously, the importance of MoSe 2 -based materials has an effect on energy storage and conversion including HER, oxygen evolution reaction, water splitting, lithium-, sodium-, potassium-ion batteries, and metal Li batteries and capacitors. Except from the abovementioned (non)metal doping and carbon incorporation for energy applications, with the development of MoSe 2 material, the electrocatalytic activity of disordered 1T′-MoSe 2 on lithium-polysulfide conversion reactions was unveiled, 50 and the synergistic enhancement of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction over few-layer MoSe 2 -decorated Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene was also explored.…”