Biomorphic combustion synthesis of hematite porous structure with enhanced Li storage properties

• We prepared porous Fe2O3 nanostructure via a biomorphic combustion synthesis.
• The Fe2O3 is assembled by primary nanoparticles and lots of open pores.
• The electrode shows high capacity, good cycle stability and rate performance.

Uniform porous Fe2O3 nanostructure was prepared by a facile and effective biomorphic combustion synthesis. Porous Fe2O3 nanostructure is assembled by primary nanoparticles and lots of open pores between interconnected nanoparticles. As an anode material for the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the resultant porous Fe2O3 electrode shows high specific capacity and good cycle stability (891.8 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 up to 150 cycles), as well as enhanced rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to 3D porous structure with the short pathway for the diffusion of Li+, high interfacial contact area between the nanoparticles and electrolyte, and good accommodation of structural stress.