Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured CuFe2O4 anode material for lithium ion battery

A nanostructured binary transition metal oxide, copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) is synthesized via polymer-pyrolysis method. The effects of the processing temperature on the particle size and electrochemical performance of the nanostructured CuFe2O4 are investigated. The electrochemical results show that the sample synthesized at 700 °C shows the best cycling performance, retaining a specific capacity of 551.9 mAh g− 1 beyond 100 cycles for lithium ion batteries. The electrode has a good rate capacity within the range of 0.2 C–4 C. At the highest rate of 4 C, the reversible capacity of CuFe2O4 is about 200 mAh g− 1. It is believed that the ternary transition metal oxide CuFe2O4 is quite acceptable compared with other high performance nanostructured anode materials.

► A nanostructured biscuit-like CuFe2O4 is synthesized via the polymer pyrolysis method for lithium-ion batteries. ► The superior annealed temperature is 700°C. ► The obtained sample retains the reversible capacity about 551.9 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles. ► The reversible capacity is about 200 mAh g−1 at the high rate of 2C.