Free-standing and consecutive ZnSe@carbon nanofibers architectures as ultra-long lifespan anode for flexible lithium-ion batteries

Free-standing electrodes have attracted extensively attention for their absence of non-electrochemical activity binders, conductive additives, and current collectors. Here, the fordable and flexible ZnSe@carbon nanofibers (ZnSe@CNFs) composites have been synthesized via electrospinning method and subsequent one-step carbonization/selenization process. Benefited by the structural advantage of ZnSe nanoparticles encapsulated inside carbon nanofibers conductive network, this delicate electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance, including outstanding rate capability and ultra-long cycling life (426.1 mAh g−1 over 3000 cycles at 5 A g−1 with only 0.01% decay per cycle). More importantly, the free-standing electrode could be further applied in pouch cell, which delivers prominent capacity of 448.9 mAh g−1 during 700 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. What’s more, this pouch cell successfully lightens the luminescence of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Even if we repeatedly fold 30 times at different angle (90°, 180°, and 0°), the pouch cell is still in good agreement with the pristine stage. This design is beneficial to propel the development of free-standing electrode in the aspect of flexible/wearable electronic devices. [Display omitted] •Flexible and free-standing ZnSe@carbon nanofibers electrodes are designed by one-step electrospinning methods.•Outstanding rate capability and ultra-long cycling life over 3000 cycles at 5 A g−1 are achieved.•Ex-situ XRD reveals the internal lithium storage mechanism of ZnSe.•The large-area pouch cell is successfully assembled and operated at different bending angles.