Enhanced performance of SiO/Fe2O3 composite as an anode for rechargeable Li-ion batteries

Iron oxide (Fe2O3) was utilized to enhance the electrochemical properties of SiO as a promising anode for Li-ion batteries. An SiO/Fe2O3 composite, composed of SiO coated with Fe2O3 nanoparticles, was synthesized by mechanical milling and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the SiO/Fe2O3 composite, SiO, and mechanically milled SiO as anodes for Li-ion batteries were then investigated. The SiO/Fe2O3 composite showed superior performance compared with the two Fe2O3-free SiO samples, including an increased initial coulombic efficiency, enhanced rate capability, and better capacity retention.

► Fe2O3 is utilized to enhance the electrochemical properties of SiO anodes.
► The SiO/Fe2O3 composite is synthesized by mechanical milling.
► The SiO/Fe2O3 composite shows superior electrochemical performance.