Reduced graphene oxide decorated with FeF3 nanoparticles: Facile synthesis and application as a high capacity cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

In this paper, we demonstrate the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with FeF3 nanoparticles (FeF3NPs) by adding FeF3 aqueous solution to the rGO ethanol/water dispersion. The obtained FeF3/rGO nanocomposite is further tested as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries and found to have high discharge capacities, good rate capabilities and cycling performance. It can deliver a high discharge capacity of 476 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in the voltage range 1.0–4.5 V. It still delivers a discharge capacity of 146 mAh g−1 with 81% capacity retention after 50 charge–discharge cycles under a current density of 1000 mA g−1 in the voltage range 1.7–4.5 V.