Graphitic Nanocarbon-Selenium Cathode with Favorable Rate Capability for Li-Se Batteries

A well-organized selenium/carbon nanosheets nanocomposite(Se/CNSs) is prepared by confining chain-like Se_n molecules in hierarchically micromesoporous carbon nanosheets. A unique two-dimensional morphology and high graphitization degree of carbon nanosheets benefits fast Li⁺/e^- access to the active Se, which guarantees a high utilization of Se during the(de)lithiation process. Besides, the chain-like Se molecules confined in the carbon matrix could alleviate the shuttle effect of polyselenides and promise a stable electrochemistry. Therefore, the resultant Se/CNSs delivers a highly reversible capacity, a long cycle life and favorable rate capabilities. Furthermore, a Li-Se pouch cell built from a metallic Li anode and the as-prepared Se/CNSs cathode exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance, demonstrating the potential of Se/CNSs in serving future energy storage devices with high energy density.