Synergistic Transition-Metal Selenide Heterostructure as a High-Performance Cathode for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries

We synthesize and characterize a rechargeable aluminum battery cathode material composed of heterostructured Co3Se4/ZnSe embedded in a hollow carbon matrix. This heterostructure is synthesized from a metal-organic framework composite, in which ZIF-8 is grown on the surface of ZIF-67 cube. Both experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the internal electric field across the heterostructure interface between Co3Se4 and ZnSe promotes the fast transport of electron and Al-ion diffusion. As a result, the heterostructured Co3Se4/ZnSe demonstrates superior specific capacity and cycle stability compared to the single-phase Co3Se4 and ZnSe cathode materials.