Engineering n–p Heterointerfaces in Bi2Se3/Bi2O3 Nanocomposite Catalysts for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Abstract

Lithium−oxygen batteries (LOBs) are considered promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, their practical application is challenged by sluggish reaction kinetics and unstable discharge product formation. Herein, we report the rational nanoscale engineering of a Bi₂Se₃/Bi₂O₃ heterostructured cathode via a controlled hydrothermal synthesis, addressing these limitations. The type-I band alignment in nanocomposite Bi₂Se₃/Bi₂O₃ generates a built-in electric field at the heterointerface, facilitating electron and ion transport and lowering the energy barriers for oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution (OER) processes. Consequently, the Bi₂Se₃/Bi₂O₃ heterointerface catalyst exhibits exceptional specific capacity (19433.6 mAh g⁻¹) and cycle stability (201 cycles at 200 mA g⁻¹; 98 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹), surpassing pristine Bi₂Se₃ by 320% in cycle life. This study establishes heterointerface engineering as a universal strategy for developing high-performance LOB catalysts.