One-pot synthesis of uniform MoSe2 nanoparticles as high performance anode materials for lithium/sodium ion batteries.

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe 2) have attracted much attention as an anode material for lithium/sodium ion batteries due to its specific layered structure. Here, highly-uniform MoSe 2 nanoparticles are successfully synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method with addition of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) following by calcination treatment. PVP serves as a surfactant preventing the over-agglomeration of MoSe 2 nanosheets and contributing to the well-organized accumulation of MoSe 2 nanosheets into nanoparticles. When evaluated as anode for lithium ion batteries, the MoSe 2 nanoparticles show enhanced cycle stability and rate performance comparing to the MoSe 2 bulk prepared without addition of PVP. After 200 cycles, the MoSe 2 nanoparticles remain a specific capacity of 573.9 mAh g−1 at a rate of 200 mA g−1. Meanwhile, MoSe 2 nanoparticles also display good sodium storage performance. Under the current density of 500 mA g−1, MoSe 2 nanoparticles exhibit reversible capacity of 374.9 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles. [Display omitted] • Highly-uniform MoSe2 nanoparticles are successfully synthesized via a simple method. • The effect of PVP during the particle formation has been studied in detail. • The as-prepared MoSe2 nanoparticles show enhanced electrochemical performance as anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]