Layered MoxBy (MBenes) derived by a molten-salt method and their application in advanced LIB anodes

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Vol. 12; no. 20; pp. 12163 - 12172
• Main Authors: Yi-Zhao, Chen, Ting-Ting, Mao, Song-Yi, Liao, Yao, Selina X, Yong-Gang, Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 21.05.2024
• Subjects: Anodes; Borides; Crystal structure; Electrochemistry; Electron microscopy; Etching; Lithium-ion batteries; Microscopy; Rechargeable batteries; Salts; Scanning electron microscopy; Specific capacity; Transmission electron microscopy; Two dimensional materials; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/d4ta00913d

As novel two-dimensional materials, MBenes derived from bulk ternary metal borides (MAB phase) have attracted increasing attention but are limited by their preparation strategy. In this work, MoxBy (MBene) derivatives with an accordion-like structure were successfully prepared by completely etching an Al layer from MoAlB via a molten-salt method. The thermal behaviors, crystal structure, and surface chemical state were analyzed using DSC/TG, XRD and XPS analyses, respectively. The micro-morphology of the obtained MBene was then characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy accompanied by EDS mappings. The results reveal that the MBene synthesized at 620 °C (abbreviated as MBene-620) demonstrates its characteristic (020) peak and layered structure. When used as an advanced anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), the MBene delivers excellent electrochemical performances with a reversible specific capacity of 638.2 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. As a promising green strategy, this molten-salt method provides a new opportunity to explore the wide-ranging applications of MBene series, particularly in new energy fields of LIBs.