Porous hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods as an anode material with enhanced rate capability in lithium-ion batteries

The porous hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods, having diameters of 30–60 nm, were prepared through thermal decomposition of FeC2O4·2H2O nanorods that were readily synthesized through poly(vinyl alcohol)-assisted precipitation process. Compared to the commercial α-Fe2O3 powders in submicrometer sizes, the porous α-Fe2O3 nanorods, as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries, exhibited significantly enhanced rate capability due to their nanorod shape and porous structure. When discharging at 0.1C (1C = 1005 mA/g) and charging at different rates (0.1C, 0.5C, and 1C), the porous α-Fe2O3 nanorods could deliver a capacity of over than 1130 mAh/g; while cycling at 1C rate, the nanorods could maintain a discharge capacity as high as 916 mAh/g after 100 cycles.

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► The porous hematite nanorods are prepared by decomposition of FeC2O4
• 2H2O nanorods.
► The synthesis method shows us a facile, low-cost and highly productive strategy.
► The porous hematite nanorods are suitable for a promising anode material in LIBs.
► Significantly enhanced rate capability is achieved.
► The porous hematite nanorods also show high capacity and good cycling stability.