Accelerated Confined Mass Transfer of MoS₂ 1d Nanotube in Photo‐Assisted Metal−Air Batteries

Abstract

Applying the solar energy into energy storage battery systems is challenged in achieving green and sustainable development, however, the efficient progress of photo‐assisted metal−air batteries is restricted by the rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes upon the photocathode. Herein, a one‐dimensional ordered MoS₂ nanotube (MoS₂‐ONT) with confined mass transfer can be used to extend the lifetime of photogenerated carriers, which is capable of overcoming the challenge of rapid recombination of electron and holes. The tubular confined space can not only promote the orderly separation and migration of charge carriers, but also realize the accumulation of charge and the rapid activation of oxygen molecules. The concave surface of MoS₂‐ONT can improve the carrier separation ability and prolong the carrier lifetime. Meanwhile, the ordered tubular confined space can effectively realize the rapid transfer of charge, ion and oxygen. Under light irradiation, a fast ORR kinetic of 70 mW cm⁻² for photo‐assisted Zn−air battery is achieved, which is the highest value reported for photo‐assisted Zn−air batteries. Significantly, the photo‐assisted Li−O₂ battery based on MoS₂‐ONT also shows superior rate capability and other exciting battery performance. This work shows the universality of the confined carrier separation strategy in photo‐assisted metal−air batteries.

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