Electrospun synthesis and lithium storage properties of magnesium ferrite nanofibers

• We successfully synthesized electrospun magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) anode material for lithium-ion batteries for the first time.
• The as-prepared MgFe2O4 nanofibers calcined at 800 °C exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 1304 mAh g−1, and maintained a stable capacity of 714 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles.
• The as-prepared MgFe2O4 nanofibers calcined at 800 °C also showed high capacity at higher discharge and charge rate.

In this study, we successfully synthesized magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanofibers by a facile electrospinning technique followed by calcining at 800 °C. The lithium storage properties of MgFe2O4 nanofibers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries have been discussed for the first time. It is demonstrated that MgFe2O4 nanofibers electrode not only deliver a high initial discharge capacity of around 1304 mAh g−1, but also maintain a reversible capacity of 714 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Moreover, the MgFe2O4 nanofibers electrode also exhibits high capacity at higher charge/discharge rate. Even at a current density of 2000 mA g−1, the reversible capacity can attain 409 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, suggesting its excellent rate capability. The superior lithium storage properties of the MgFe2O4 nanofibers electrode may be related to the unique continuous fibrous morphologies, nanostructured architectures, porous structures, and large specific surface area, which provide an easily Li+ diffusion path and promote electron transfer. In addition, the formation of MgO appears to act as a buffer layer that prevents agglomeration of nanocrystalline, accommodate the large volume change and reduces polarization during cycling.

We successfully synthesized magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanofibers by a facile electrospinning technique followed by calcining at 800 °C. Electrochemical property demonstrated that MgFe2O4 nanofibers possessed high reversible capacity and cycling stability. Moreover, the MgFe2O4 nanofibers electrode also exhibits high capacity at higher charge/discharge rate.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide