Photo Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries Using Nanorod Heterostructure Electrodes

New ways of directly using solar energy to charge electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries would lead to exciting developments in energy technologies. Here, a two-electrode photo rechargeable Li-ion battery is demonstrated using nanorod of type II semiconductor heterostructures with in-plane domains of crystalline MoS2 and amorphous MoOx. The staggered energy band alignment of MoS2 and MoOx limits the electron holes recombination and causes holes to be retained in the Li intercalated MoS2 electrode. The holes generated in the MoS2 pushes the intercalated Li-ions and hence charge the battery. Low band gap, high efficiency photo-conversion and efficient electron-hole separation help the battery to fully charge within a few hours using solar light. The proposed concept and materials can enable next generation stable photo-rechargeable battery electrodes, in contrast to the reported materials.

Automated summary

A new method of directly using solar energy to charge batteries has been developed, demonstrating a photo rechargeable Li-ion battery with two electrodes using type II semiconductor heterostructures. The efficient electron-hole separation and low band gap of the materials enable the battery to fully charge within a few hours using solar light, offering potential for stable photo-rechargeable battery electrodes in future energy technologies.