Porous hematite ( α-Fe 2O 3) nanorods as an anode material with enhanced rate capability in lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications Vol. 13; no. 12; pp. 1439 - 1442
• Main Authors: Yao, Xiayin, Tang, Changlin, Yuan, Guoxia, Cui, Ping, Xu, Xiaoxiong, Liu, Zhaoping
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.12.2011; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Hematite; Lithium-ion battery; Nanorod anode; Rate capability; Hematite; Lithium-ion battery; Nanorod anode; Rate capability; Scanning electron microscopy; Cycling; Anode; Secondary cell; X ray; SAED; Electrode material; X ray diffraction; Porous material; Discharge charge cycle; Surface structure; Transmission electron microscopy; Morphology; Photoelectron spectrometry; Lithion ion batteries; Iron III Oxides; Nanorod; Specific capacity; Electrical characteristic
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2011.09.015

The porous hematite ( α-Fe 2O 3) nanorods, having diameters of 30–60 nm, were prepared through thermal decomposition of FeC 2O 4·2H 2O nanorods that were readily synthesized through poly(vinyl alcohol)-assisted precipitation process. Compared to the commercial α-Fe 2O 3 powders in submicrometer sizes, the porous α-Fe 2O 3 nanorods, as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries, exhibited significantly enhanced rate capability due to their nanorod shape and porous structure. When discharging at 0.1C (1C = 1005 mA/g) and charging at different rates (0.1C, 0.5C, and 1C), the porous α-Fe 2O 3 nanorods could deliver a capacity of over than 1130 mAh/g; while cycling at 1C rate, the nanorods could maintain a discharge capacity as high as 916 mAh/g after 100 cycles. [Display omitted] ► The porous hematite nanorods are prepared by decomposition of FeC2O4•2H2O nanorods. ► The synthesis method shows us a facile, low-cost and highly productive strategy. ► The porous hematite nanorods are suitable for a promising anode material in LIBs. ► Significantly enhanced rate capability is achieved. ► The porous hematite nanorods also show high capacity and good cycling stability.