Synthesis and characterization of the iron/copper composite as an electrode material for the rechargeable alkaline battery

Iron/copper composite particles were synthesized by a chemical reduction method and then used as the anode material for a rechargeable alkaline battery. The particle size and structure of the samples were characterized by SEM and XRD. Their electrochemical performance was also studied. The results showed that the iron/copper composite prepared by this method is nanosized. Copper improves the electron transfer between particles, and the nanosized iron/copper composite not only has a high electrochemical capacity of up to 800 mAh g−1(Fe to Fe(III)), but also has an excellent rate-capacity performance at a current density of 3200 mA g−1. Compared with the iron nanoparticle without copper, the iron/copper composite sample maintains a smaller particle size during electrochemical cycling, and therefore improves the cycling stability of the iron electrode.

Research highlights
► The chemically synthesized Iron/copper composite particles were used as the anode material for a rechargeable alkaline battery.
► The highest capacity of around 800 mAh g−1 was achieved when the copper addition was 1/3 of that of iron.
► The iron core and copper shell structure provides the best cycling ability.