Synthesis and Characterization of Vanillin‐Templated Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles as a Sustainable Anode Material for Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Conversion‐enabled transition metal oxides are mostly characterized by environmental benignity, low cost, and high theoretical capacities, which make them suitable as candidate anode materials for Li‐ion batteries. To ensure high efficiency and stability, the use of novel and tailored morphologies is recommended. Among the other methods, the use of natural extracts as templates is one of the possible strategies to accomplish this task. In this work, Fe2O3 nanoparticles are synthesized by using vanillin as a soft templating agent, and fully characterized on a morphological, structural and electrochemical level. Poly(acrylic acid) binder and ethanol for electrode preparation ensure a fully environmentally benign process from synthesis to electrode testing. The cells deliver capacity values up to 700 mAh g−1 under prolonged galvanostatic cycling at 500 mA g−1, as well as excellent rate capability and high efficiency.

Synthesis of a High-Capacity α-Fe2O3@C Conversion Anode and a High-Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Spinel Cathode and Their Combination in a Li-Ion Battery

“…Higher capacity values, that is, 910 mA h g –1 , may be achieved using α-Fe 2 O 3 , which reacts via the conversion pathway leading to Fe and Li 2 O. 20 , 21 For instance, nanomembranes, 22 nanofibers, 23 nanowires, 24 and nanobelts 25 of α-Fe 2 O 3 have been synthesized to increase the cycle life and the rate capability of the cell. However, this approach was limited by the possible undesired reactions between the electrolyte and the oxide nanoparticles, which lead to capacity decay upon cycling or even to safety concerns, 26 as well as by the relevant costs due to complex synthesis techniques.…”

Fe3O4/Graphene Composite Anode Material for Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries

“…In order to improve the electrochemical behavior, several practical approaches have been considered: the use of composite nanoarchitectures and optimized nanomorphologies, such as nanorods [ 8 ], hollow [ 9 ] or nanosphere [ 10 ], carbon coating [ 11 ], nanopowder [ 12 ]; as a result, graphene-based composites have shown remarkable improvements [ 13 ].…”

FeTiO3 as Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: from Morphology Control to Decomposition

“…On the contrary, the anodic profiles are stable upon cycling, indeed, two broad peaks are detected at ∼0.9 and ∼1.7 V. Similar differences between the cathodic/anodic profiles have been observed also for the Co 3 O 4 conversion anode material . The strong irreversibility of the first cycle is typically of conversion electrode materials, and similar behavior has already been observed for ball milled ilmenite tested vs metallic Li and related to the possible electrode reaction FeTiO 3 +3Li + +e − →Fe+LiTiO 2 +Li 2 O …”

“…In conclusion, the electrochemical studies presented in Figure and highlight the differences between FTO_BM612 and FTO_hyd70 samples, confirming the modification in the phase compositions of the two materials. The FTO_BM612 performances are compatible with the conversion reaction previously reported for ilmenite phase and generally the profile evolution upon cycling is similar with the trend already observed for other oxides considered as conversion type anode materials, e. g. Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3 and generally of transition metal oxide materials considered as anodes On the contrary, the electrochemical behavior of FTO_hyd70 sample can be associated with a insertion like mechanism as already observed for similar systems A detailed analysis of the FTO_hyd70 curves is not straightforward as the actual composition of the sample is in turn not clear; while the different degradation products have been identified, it was not possible to perform quantitative analysis and determine the relative ratio of the different phases.…”