Ferrocene as precursor for carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles for rechargeable lithium batteries

Ferrocene can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles. The pyrolysis of ferrocene leads to the formation of a compound that can be fully converted into carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles via a simple oxidation in air. This simple, fast and cheap synthetic route enables the realization of carbon-coated nano-particles with particle size in the range of 50–150 nm. Moreover, varying the oxidation temperature, it is possible to control precisely the carbon coating present on the nano-particles. The so obtained carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles can be easily processed in water to realize composite electrodes with a composition suitable for practical application. When used in combination with conventional electrolytes such electrodes display high specific capacity (over 800 mAh g−1 at 0.13 A g−1), excellent cycling retention (higher than 99% after 50 cycles), and remarkable rate performance (over 400 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1).

► Ferrocene as precursor of carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles. ► Precise control of the carbon coating present on the nano-particles. ► Carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles are easily usable. ► Anodes based on carbon-coated α-Fe2O3 nano-particles display excellent performance.