Building core-shell FeSe2@C anode electrode for delivering superior potassium-ion batteries

Inferior electrical conductivity and large volume variation are two disadvantages of metal selenides. In this work, we have designed a core-shell structure of FeSe2@C composite with low cost using facile hydrothermal method. The FeSe2 particles as the 'core' and the carbon layer as the 'shell' displayed good synergistic effect that attributed to alleviate volume expansion of electrode and improving the electrical conductivity, which achieved the fast potassium storage. The core-shell structural FeSe2@C electrode achieved 286 mA h g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) over 1000 cycles with 99.8% coulombic efficiency and delivered excellent rate capacity with 273 mA h g(-1) at 2 A g(-1), which was ascribed to dispersed FeSe2 particles and the strong carbon shell coating. This work will provide the basis for the further development of the application of metal selenides in the field of flexible electrodes.

Automated summary

In this work, a core-shell structure of FeSe2@C composite was designed using a facile hydrothermal method. The FeSe2 particles as the 'core' and the carbon layer as the 'shell' showed good synergistic effect in alleviating volume expansion and improving electrical conductivity, achieving fast potassium storage. The FeSe2@C electrode with core-shell structure exhibited high capacity, coulombic efficiency, and rate capacity, providing a basis for the further development of metal selenides in flexible electrodes.