Direct self-assembly of Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this study, Fe₂O₃/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were prepared using a direct self-assembly of oppositely charged Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene oxide (GO) sheets, followed with a low-temperature hydrothermal reduction process. The characterization of the nanocomposite shows that Fe₂O₃ NPs with an average diameter of about 9 nm are uniformly distributed on well-exfoliated rGO layers. The nanocomposites show a high iron oxide mass loading of 63%. The electrical conductivity of the composite was significantly enhanced by about 6 orders of magnitude in comparison to pure Fe₂O₃ NPs. The characterization of the composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) demonstrated a strong positive synergistic effect with respect to its electrochemical performance. Fe₂O₃/rGO exhibited a capacity of 600 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹, and even more than 180 mA h g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹ (approx. 17 C), indicating its superior high-rate performance. In addition, it features high efficiency at high rates and very good cyclic stability over a long cycle life of more than 550 cycles.