Rational Design of Fe2O3 Nanocube-Based Anodes for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

To design a high-performance Fe2O3-based anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), Fe2O3 nanocubes (Fe2O3-NCs) and their graphite-modified (Fe2O3-NCs-G) composite were synthesized using a simple two-step method. The Fe2O3-NCs-G composite consisted of homogeneously distributed individual Fe2O3-NCs with graphite matrices, which were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the Fe2O3-NCs-G composite delivered a high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. To demonstrate the electrochemical Li insertion/extraction mechanism of the Fe2O3-NCs-G composite electrodes, ex-situ XRD and Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure analyses were performed. Because of its structural merits, the synthesized Fe2O3-NCs-G composite exhibited high electrochemical performance featuring a high reversible capacity of 865 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles and a fast rate capability, thus demonstrating its high possibility for high-performance LIBs.