ZnTe and ZnTe/C nanocomposite: a new electrode material for high-performance rechargeable Li-ion batteries

Zinc telluride (ZnTe) and a nanostructured ZnTe/C composite were prepared by a simple solid-state synthetic route, and their potential as electrode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries was investigated. The electrochemical conversion/partial recombination reactions between ZnTe and Li were determined using ex situ X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the ZnTe/C nanocomposite consisted of ZnTe nanocrystallites that were uniformly distributed within an amorphous carbon matrix. The nanostructured ZnTe/C composite electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical properties with a high capacity (1st charge: 530 mA h g(-1)), cycling durability (over 200 cycles), and fast rate capability (1 C: ca. 550 mA h g(-1), 3 C: ca. 504 mA h g(-1)).