High cycling stability of anodes for lithium-ion batteries based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and poly(acrylic acid) binder

Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized by a base catalyzed method are tested as anode material for Li-ion batteries. The pristine nanoparticles are morphologically characterized showing an average size of 11 nm. Electrodes are prepared using high-molecular weight Poly (acrylic acid) as improved binder and ethanol as low cost and environmentally friendly solvent. The evaluation of electrochemical properties shows high specific capacity values of 857 mA hg−1 after 200 cycles at a specific current of 462 mAg−1, as well as an excellent rate capability with specific current values up to 18480 mAg−1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fe3O4 nanoparticles cycling with PAA as binder.