Alpha-phase iron oxide nanoparticles (α-NPs), α-iron oxide hollow nanobarrels (α-HNBs), and α-HNBs on reduced graphene oxide (α-HNBs/RGO) for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were synthesized by a time-efficient microwave method to improve the low electrical conductivity of iron oxide and exploit the porous structure of RGO, which prevents the volume expansion of α-Fe2O3 during the insertion/extraction. On the other hand, α-HNBs (∼200 nm in diameter, ∼360 nm in length) provide a short diffusion path for Li ions and accommodate the strain generated by the volume change. The α-HNBs/RGO hybrid structure was synthesized by a one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to bond α-HNBs with RGO. The as-prepared α-HNBs/RGO electrode exhibited a superior reversible capacity of 1279 mA h g(-1) at 0.5 C after the first cycle; such a capacity was nearly recovered after numerous cycles (2nd to 100th cycle, 95%). The long-term cyclability of α-HNBs/RGO shows 478 mA h g(-1) after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the α-HNBs/RGO electrode shows a high rate capacity of 403 mA h g(-1) even at 10 C. The α-HNBs/RGO exhibited a better electrochemical performance that could be attributed to the absence of nanoparticle agglomeration and RGO restacking, which provided a buffer effect against the volume expansion, promoted electrical conductivity and high structural integrity.

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