Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous α-Fe2O3

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. B, Solid-state materials for advanced technology Solid-state materials for advanced technology, 2012-11, Vol.177 (18), p.1612-1617
• Main Authors: Liu, Zhi, Mi, Junhua, Yang, Yuan, Li, Jia, Tan, Xiuli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3DOM; Coulombic efficiency; Electrochemical properties; Hematite
• ISSN: 0921-5107; 1873-4944
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2012.08.013

► 3DOM α-Fe2O3 was successfully prepared with a modified colloidal crystal templating method. ► 3DOM α-Fe2O3 showed a high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1883 and 1139mAhg−1, respectively. ► 3DOM α-Fe2O3 presented a stable Coulombic efficiency of around 95% after 60th cycle. Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) α-Fe2O3 electrode materials with large pore sizes and interconnected macroporous frameworks were successfully synthesized by a simply modified colloidal crystal templating strategy. The obtained samples were characterized by means of thermogravimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 were evaluated with cyclic voltammetry and discharge–charge experiments in an organic electrolyte containing a lithium salt. The results showed that the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 possessed a potential to be used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries with high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1883 and 1139mAhg−1, respectively. After 60th cycle, the reversible capacity could still be as high as 681mAhg−1 with a stable Coulombic efficiency of around 95%.