Achieving super lithium storage of FeC2O4/Gs composites with dual-level structured graphene sheets through electrostatic adherence

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. C, Materials for optical and electronic devices Materials for optical and electronic devices, 2024-09, Vol.12 (37), p.15012-15023
• Main Authors: Li, Zengmou, Zhao, Qing, Zhang, Keyu, Cui, Dingfang, Chen, Keqi, Gong, Yusheng, Zhang, Shaoze, Li, Yin, Hu, Junxian, Yang, Bin, Yao, Yaochun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anodes; Chemical reactions; Electrical resistivity; Electrode materials; Electron transport; Graphene; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Particulate composites; Reaction kinetics; Stability
• ISSN: 2050-7526; 2050-7534
• DOI: 10.1039/d4tc02188f

Iron oxalate (FeC2O4) is a promising candidate as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with its advantages of low cost and high capacity. However, its commercial application is limited by its poor electrical conductivity, which leads to slow chemical reaction kinetics. Herein, a novel FeC2O4-based composite (FeC2O4/Gs) with dual-level structured graphene sheets (Gs) was constructed via electrostatic adherence technology, which enhanced the combination form and composite effect for two discrepant materials. Based on the dual-level structured Gs in FeC2O4/Gs composites, micro-based Gs (∼5 μm) was dispersed between the FeC2O4 particles. Meanwhile, the nano-based (∼50 nm) Gs was coated and embedded on the surface of rod-like FeC2O4 particles. Because of the special structure of FeC2O4/Gs, it has a dual promotion of electron transport both within and on the surface of the FeC2O4 particles, favoring electrochemical activity and efficiently inducing the conversion reaction. Consequently, the FeC2O4/Gs composite achieved a high reversible capacity of 820 mA h g−1 and excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 41% after 200 cycles under 10C. This study provides a novel opportunity to design composites and electrodes with electronic conductivity, excellent electrochemical activity and ultrahigh cycling stability for lithium storage.