Solvothermal preparation and lithium storage properties of Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres

In this paper, we reported a one-pot method to synthesize Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres via a solvothermal approach for the first time. Only peaks of Fe2O3 could be observed from X-ray diffractometry (XRD) patterns, indicating that the carbon in the composite was amorphous. The content of carbon in the composite was 64.2 wt% as calculated according to the elemental analysis. Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the surfaces of these as-prepared spheres were relatively smooth and of about 2.0 μm in diameter. Electrochemical property demonstrated that the annealed Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres possessed higher reversible capacity and cycling stability than that of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The annealed Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres exhibited a large initial discharge capacity of 1562 mAh g−1, and the stabilized capacity was as high as 889 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles. These improvements can be ascribed to the amorphous carbon, which can enhance the conductivity of Fe2O3, suppress the aggregation of active particles, and increase their structural stability during cycling.

We reported a one-pot method to synthesize Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres via a solvothermal approach for the first time. FE-SEM and TEM images showed that the surfaces of these as-prepared spheres were relatively smooth and of about 2.0 μm in diameter. Electrochemical property demonstrated that the annealed Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres possessed high reversible capacity and cycling stability.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We prepared Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres via a one-pot solvothermal approach for the first time.
► Only peaks of Fe2O3 could be observed from XRD patterns, indicating that the carbon in the composite was amorphous.
► The surfaces of these as-prepared spheres were relatively smooth and of about 2.0 μm in diameter.
► The annealed Fe2O3/C hybrid microspheres possessed high reversible capacity and cycling stability.