A study of the charge storage properties of a MoSe2 nanoplatelets/SWCNTs electrode in a Li-ion based electrolyte

MoSe2 nanoplatelets were synthesised by liquid phase exfoliation. MoSe2 nanoplatelets and MoSe2 nanoplatelets/SWCNTs electrodes were manufactured using a spray-deposition method and their charge storage properties were investigated in a 1 M LiPF6/EC/DMC electrolyte in a three-electrode cell and a 3-0 V electrochemical window. MoSe2 nanoplatelets electrodes showed charge storage activity without the use of an electrically conductive additive. However, their rate performance and cycling stability was poor, which was improved by adding SWCNTs. The MoSe2 nanoplatelets/SWCNTs electrodes showed a capacity of 798 mAh g−1 at a 0.05C rate (cycle 8), much higher than the capacity of a bulk MoSe2/carbon black electrodes of 557.0 mAh g−1 at 0.05C (cycle 1). An improved rate performance, respect the bulk counterpart, from 0.1C (569 mAh g−1) to 5C (153 mAh g−1) rates, and a capacity retention of 58 % over 100 cycles at a 0.5C rate were achieved. The improved performance of the MoSe2 nanoplatelets/SWCNTs electrodes was attributed to the nanosize of the MoSe2 nanoplatelets and the combination with SWCNTs that provided mechanical stability.