α-Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticle-Loaded Carbon Nanofibers as Stable and High-Capacity Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

α-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticle-loaded carbon nanofiber composites were fabricated via electrospinning FeCl(3)·6H(2)O salt-polyacrylonitrile precursors in N,N-dimethylformamide solvent and the subsequent carbonization in inert gas. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis were used to study the morphology and composition of α-Fe(2)O(3)-carbon nanofiber composites. It was indicated that α-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles with an average size of about 20 nm have a homogeneous dispersion along the carbon nanofiber surface. The resultant α-Fe(2)O(3)-carbon nanofiber composites were used directly as the anode material in rechargeable lithium half cells, and their electrochemical performance was evaluated. The results indicated that these α-Fe(2)O(3)-carbon nanofiber composites have high reversible capacity, good capacity retention, and acceptable rate capability when used as anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Electrospun carbon-based nanostructured electrodes for advanced energy storage – A review

“…By taking advantage of high-capacity iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon matrix, iron oxide/C hybrids as anodes for LIBs ensure high reversible Li storage capacity, stable cycling and exceptional rate performance [165]. A number of precursors such as FeCl 3 [166] and iron(III) acetylacetonate [167] can be used to produce Fe 2 O 3 after heat treatment. These as-synthesized Fe 2 O 3 /C composite nanofibers can achieve good capacity performance.…”

Nanostructured electrode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries via electrospinning

“…Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 are abundant, low-cost and eco-friendly anode materials with high theoretical capacities. To strengthen the kinetics of iron oxides in conversion reaction with lithium, Ji et al [147], Zhang et al [148], Wang et al [149], and Gu et al [150] synthesized electrospun Fe 2 O 3 /carbon or Fe 3 O 4 /CNFs with iron oxides nanoparticles embedded in conductive CNFs to improve the electrochemical activity of iron oxides. In addition, 1D hollow nanofiber was another promising structure to increase access of iron oxides to electrolyte and enhance Li-ion diffusion [151][152][153].…”

Tailoring Iron Oxide Nanostructures for High-Capacity Lithium Storage

“…[37] Compositing the 1D α-Fe2O3 nanostructures with conductive carbon would integrate the advantages of both materials, further boosting the lithium storage performance. [39][40][41][42] For example, α-Fe2O3-carbon nanofibers (α-Fe2O3-CNF) were prepared via electrospinning and evaluated as LIB anode materials by different groups. [39][40][41] 1f).…”

“…[39][40][41][42] For example, α-Fe2O3-carbon nanofibers (α-Fe2O3-CNF) were prepared via electrospinning and evaluated as LIB anode materials by different groups. [39][40][41] 1f). [41] This novel nanostructure delivered a high specific capacity of ~820 mAh·g -1 after 300 cycles at 1 C.…”