A multi-kernel-shell indium selenide@carbon nanosphere enabling high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Indium selenide has garnered significant attention for high volumetric capacities, but is currently plagued by the sluggish charge transfer kinetics, severe volume effect, and rapid capacity degradation that hinder their practical applications. Herein, we design, synthesize, and characterize a multi-kernel-shell structure comprised of indium selenide encapsulated within carbon nanospheres (referred to as m-K-S In2Se3@C) through an integrated approach involving a hydrothermal method followed by a gaseous selenization process. Importantly, experimental measurements and density functional theory calculations confirm that the m-K-S In2Se3@C not only improve the adsorption capability for Li-ions but also lower the energy barrier for Li-ions diffusion. Profiting from numerous contact points, shorter diffusion distances and an improved volume buffering effect, the m-K-S In2Se3@C achieves an 800 mA h g−1 capacity over 1000 loops at 1000 mA g−1, a 520 mA h g−1 capacity at 5000 mA g−1 and an energy density of 270 Wh kg−1 when coupled with LiFePO4, surpassing most related anodes reported before. Broadly, the m-K-S structure with unique nano-micro structure offers a new approach to the design of advanced anodes for LIBs.