OPTIMIZED SYNTHESIS OF BINARY TRANSITION METAL CHALCOGENIDE 2D NANOSTRUCTURES FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study primarily focuses on the exploration of efficient energy storage alternatives to Lithium-ion batteries in the form of Sodium ion batteries. Using a surfactant assisted solution method aimed at synthesizing 2D nanostructured binary metal chalcogenides and assembly of Sodium ion batteries with Binary Transition Metal Selenides as anode materials due to their high theoretical capacities, rich redox reactions, and good reversibility. Li-ion batteries are the standard for and employed in conventional usage throughout our current modern society majorly due to their high energy densities and ability to be used at a large scale. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no significant publication on Fe-Cu based TMSs. We hope to optimize the synthesis of Fe-Cu based selenides in such a way as to get a nanostructure that results in the best electrochemical performance as an anode material. For this purpose, we are employing a bottom-up approach of a surfactant-assisted solution method followed by their Selenization to synthesize selenides with varying combinations of Fe and Cu in terms of their molar ratios.