Fe3O4/C composite with hollow spheres in porous 3D-nanostructure as anode material for the lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2017-09, Vol.363, p.161-167
• Main Authors: Yang, Zhao, Su, Danyang, Yang, Jinping, Wang, Jing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Iron oxide; Lithium ion battery; Solvothermal method; Spongy carbon; Three-dimensional nanostructure
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.07.080

3d transition-metal oxides, especially Fe3O4, as anode materials for the lithium-ion batteries have been attracting intensive attentions in recent years due to their high energy capacity and low toxicity. A new Fe3O4/C composite with hollow spheres in porous three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure, which was synthesized by a facile solvothermal method using FeCl3·6H2O and porous spongy carbon as raw materials. The specific surface area and microstructures of composite were characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm method, FE-SEM and HR-TEM. A homogeneous distribution of hollow Fe3O4 spheres (diameter ranges from 120 nm to 150 nm) in the spongy carbon (pore size > 200 nm) conductive 3D-network significantly reduced the lithium-ion diffusion length and increased the electrochemical reaction area, and further more enhanced the lithium ion battery performance, such as discharge capacity and cycle life. As an anode material for the lithium-ion battery, the title composite exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. The Fe3O4/C composite electrode achieved a relatively high reversible specific capacity of 1450.1 mA h g−1 in the first cycle at 100 mA g−1, and excellent rate capability (69% retention at 1000 mA g−1) with good cycle stability (only 10% loss after 100 cycles). [Display omitted] •The composite with hollow spheres in porous 3D nanostructure was prepared.•This structure endowed composite better volume buffer and electric conductivity.•The Fe3O4/C composite exhibited excellent electrochemical properties.