Electrochemical reactivity of nanocomposite ZnO–Se for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocomposite ZnO–Se thin film has been successfully fabricated by pulsed laser deposition method. The electrochemical behavior is investigated by galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry. The reversible specific capacity of ZnO–Se/Li cells cycled between 0.01 and 3.5 V is found to be 505 mAh g−1 with good capacity retention. Nanocomposite ZnO–Se thin film electrode exhibits much better electrochemical performance than pure ZnO. The reversible oxidation/reduction reaction of ZnO and selenidation/reduction reaction of ZnSe are revealed in the electrochemical reaction mechanism of nanocomposite ZnO–Se with lithium.