Fe2O3 particles enwrapped by graphene with excellent cyclability and rate capability as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

A facile hydrothermal method is employed to prepare Fe2O3/graphene composites with different contents of graphene which is determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). While the X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the presence of hematite, the graphene and Fe2O3 are demonstrated to be existed via Fourier transform infrared spectra (FI-IR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) also illustrate the good combination of graphene and Fe2O3, especially for the composite with graphene mass content of 30%. After performed as anode for lithium ion battery, Fe2O3/graphene composite with graphene mass content of 30% exhibits outstanding cyclability with highly reversible charge capacity of 1069 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, at current density of 50 mA g−1. And when the current density is increased to 1000 mA g−1, it could still retain charge capacity of 534 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, the critical role of graphene to the electrochemical performance of composites has also been proven.

Graphical abstractA facile hydrothermal method is employed to prepare Fe2O3/graphene composites with different contents of graphene which is determined by thermogravimetric analysis(TG). While the X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the presence of hematite, the graphene and Fe2O3 are demonstrated to be existed via Fourier transform infrared spectra (FI-IR) and Raman spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) also illustrate the good combination of graphene and Fe2O3, especially for the composite with graphene mass content of 30%. After performed as anode for lithium ion battery, Fe2O3/graphene composite with graphene mass content of 30% exhibits outstanding cyclability with highly reversible charge capacity of 1069 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, at current density of 50 mA g−1. And when the current density is increased to 1000 mA g−1, it could still retain charge capacity of 534 mAh g−1. Meanwhile, the critical role of graphene to the electrochemical performance of composites has also been proven.Download full-size imageHighlights► A simple PVP-assisted hydrothermal method was employed to prepare Fe2O3/graphene composites. ► Fe2O3 particles are uniformly enwrapped by graphene. ► Excellent electrochemical performances of composites could be attributable to synergic effects between Fe2O3 and graphene. ► The effects of graphene on electrochemical properties of composites have been investigated.