High lithium storage performance of α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites as lithium-ion battery anodes

Uniformly loaded α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites are synthesized via hydrothermal routs. Enhanced lithium storage performance of lithium-ion battery anodes is realized from α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites. Compared with pure α-Fe2O3 nanostructures, α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites exhibit higher reversible capacity and better cycling performance. Their reversible capacity is up to 771 mA h g−1 at C/10 rate, and maintains 73% after 30 cycles. Such behaviors can be attributed to high electron and Li-ion conductivity, large surface area, good mechanical flexibility of graphene nanosheets and the synergetic effect of graphene and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. Our results indicate that α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites are good candidates for high performance lithium-ion battery anodes.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► α-Fe2O3/graphene nanocomposites are obtained by hydrothermal method. ► Enhanced lithium storage performance is realized from the nanocomposites. ► Both reversible capacity and cycling performance are higher than pure materials. ► Such behaviors can be attributed to the characteristics of graphene nanosheets.