Facile synthesis of Bi₂Se₃/nitrogen-doped carbon dot nanoplates for aqueous zinc ion battery cathodes

Bi₂Se₃ is a promising cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), but its limited capacity and poor cycling stability deter its further use in the development of AZIBs. To solve this issue, Bi₂Se₃/NCD composites have been synthesized via a simple two-step solvothermal method. The introduction of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) provides more active sites and makes the composite surface rich in functional groups, which facilitates contact with aqueous electrolytes. The results showed that Bi₂Se₃/NCDs improved the zinc storage properties of Bi₂Se₃ as a cathode material. The discharge specific capacity is 318 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1. The cycling performance of Bi₂Se₃/NCDs was also relatively excellent compared to that of Bi₂Se₃. This work offers a productive and feasible strategy for metal chalcogenides (MCs) as cathode materials for AZIBs to improve the zinc storage capacity.