An Advanced Selenium–Carbon Cathode for Rechargeable Lithium–Selenium Batteries

Selenium has been confined in the form of cyclic Se8 molecules within ordered mesoporous carbon for use as a cathode material in Li–Se batteries. An ex situ study of the Se cathode reveals conversion from cyclic Se8 molecules into chain-like Sen molecules upon cycling. This effectively eliminates the shuttle effect of Se, resulting in superior electrochemical performance in terms of volumetric capacity density and cycling stability.