Topological Insulator Bi₂ Se₃ -Assisted Heterostructure for Ultrafast Charging Sodium-Ion Batteries

The development of fast charging materials offers a viable solution for large-scale and sustainable energy storage needs. However, it remains a critical challenge to improve the electrical and ionic conductivity for better performance. Topological insulator (TI), a topological quantum material that has attracted worldwide attention, hosts unusual metallic surface states and consequent high carrier mobility. Nevertheless, its potential in promising high-rate charging capability has not been fully realized and explored. Herein, a novel Bi₂ Se₃ -ZnSe heterostructure as excellent fast charging material for Na⁺ storage is reported. Ultrathin Bi₂ Se₃ nanoplates with rich TI metallic surfaces are introduced as an electronic platform inside the material, which greatly reduces the charge transfer resistance and improves the overall electrical conductivity. Meanwhile, the abundant crystalline interfaces between these two selenides promote Na⁺ migration and provide additional active sites as well. As expected, the composite delivers the excellent high-rate performance of 360.5 mAh g^-1 at 20 A g^-1 and maintains its electrochemical stability of 318.4 mAh g^-1 after 3000 long cycles, which is the record high for all reported selenide-based anodes. This work is anticipated to provide alternative strategies for further exploration of topological insulators and advanced heterostructures.