High lithium storage performance of α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites as lithium-ion battery anodes

• Published in: Solid state sciences 2011-08, Vol.13 (8), p.1526-1530
• Main Authors: XUE, Xin-Yu, MA, Chun-Hua, CUI, Chun-Xiao, XING, Li-Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anodes; Applied sciences; Chemical synthesis methods; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Flexibility; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Graphene; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Low-dimensional structures (superlattices, quantum well structures, multilayers): structure, and nonelectronic properties; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Physics; Specific materials; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
• ISSN: 1293-2558; 1873-3085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solidstatesciences.2011.05.015

Uniformly loaded alpha -Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites are synthesized via hydrothermal routs. Enhanced lithium storage performance of lithium-ion battery anodes is realized from alpha -Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites. Compared with pure alpha -Fe2O3 nanostructures, alpha -Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites exhibit higher reversible capacity and better cycling performance. Their reversible capacity is up to 771 mA h g-1 at C/10 rate, and maintains 73% after 30 cycles. Such behaviors can be attributed to high electron and Li-ion conductivity, large surface area, good mechanical flexibility of graphene nanosheets and the synergetic effect of graphene and alpha -Fe2O3 nanostructures. Our results indicate that alpha -Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites are good candidates for high performance lithium-ion battery anodes.