Enhanced rate capability of a lithium ion battery anode based on liquid–solid-solution assembly of Fe2O3 on crumpled graphene

Abstract

We report a liquid–solid-solution assemble strategy to fabricate Fe₂O₃@graphene (Fe₂O₃@rGO) composites at the oil/water interface, where the Fe₂O₃ nanoplates with thickness of about 100 nm are anchored on crumpled graphene sheets. The in situ nucleation and growth process can ensure intimate contact between Fe₂O₃ nanoplates and graphene sheets, while the oil shell on Fe₂O₃ can prevent the aggregation of the Fe₂O₃@rGO composite. The crumpled structure and the relatively thin Fe₂O₃ nanoplates can shorten the electron diffusion path and enhanced the utilization rate of the active material. When used as the anode material, the Fe₂O₃@rGO anode shows a high reversible capacity of 1160 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, as well as a high cycling stability (101.3% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹). Moreover, with ∼156 s charging time (at a current density of 12.8 A g⁻¹), the anode can deliver a significant capacity of 552 mA h g⁻¹, indicating its promising application as a high-rate lithium ion battery anode.