Synergistic Morphology and Electron Modulation Engineering Enables Cation-Anion Cointercalation and Conversion
Zhiyuan Zha1, Ruinan Chen1, Daohong Zhang1,2
1Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Energy Materials Chemistry of Ministry of Education & Hubei Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science, Hubei R&D Center of Hyperbranched Polymers Synthesis and Applications, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China.
Nano Letters
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Tungsten-doped bismuth telluride (W-Bi2Te3) shows promise as an anode for ammonium-ion batteries (AIBs). This engineered topological insulator achieves high capacity and exceptional cycling stability, advancing AIB technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Bismuth chalcogenides are known for quantum topological states and spintronics.
- Limited research exists on their application in ammonium-ion batteries (AIBs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) as an anode material for AIBs.
- To enhance Bi2Te3 performance through tungsten doping and morphological modulation.
Main Methods:
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand doping effects.
- Synthesis and characterization of tungsten-doped Bi2Te3 (W-Bi2-xTe3).
- Electrochemical testing of W-Bi2-xTe3 as an anode in aqueous AIBs.
Main Results:
- W doping and Bi vacancies in W-Bi2-xTe3 facilitate reversible cation-anion coinsertion and conversion reactions.
- The W-Bi2-xTe3 anode delivers 220 mAh g-1 at 0.3 mA with over 2500 cycles at 3 A g-1.
- An aqueous rocking-chair AIB using W-Bi2-xTe3//MnO2 achieved 156.56 mAh g-1 at 0.15 A g-1 with 2000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Dual engineering (W doping and morphology control) effectively unlocks Bi2Te3 for high-performance AIBs.
- This strategy offers a facile route for developing advanced anodes from topological insulators for next-generation AIBs.
Keywords:
Cation defectDelocalize electronic engineeringKirkendall effectNH4+/Cl− coinsertionTungsten-doped bismuth tellurideMore Related Videos
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