Layer structured α-FeSe: A potential anode material for lithium storage

• α-FeSe/C composites are prepared by a one-pot reaction.
• They deliver a reversible capacity of 350 mAh g-1 located at 1.5 V.
• The electrochemical reaction mechanism is investigated by ex situ XRD.

Carbon-coated α-FeSe nanoparticles in an average size of 200 nm have been prepared by a facile one-pot reaction. As an anode material for lithium batteries, the core-shell α-FeSe@C composites showed a discharge plateau at 1.5 V, which could effectively avoid the formation of the lithium dendrites and the solid-electrolyte interface layer. They delivered a sustainable reversible capacity of 340 mAh g− 1 after 40 cycles, which is about twice as much as that of the Li4Ti5O12 (175 mAh g− 1), thereby indicating its promising applications for lithium storage.