Fe2O3/CNTs Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The composites of Fe2O3/carbon nanotubes (Fe2O3/CNTs) were synthesized by ammonia hydrolysis and following pyrolysis. A possible explanation was put forward to explain the key role of the CNTs environments in determining the crystal phase of Fe2O3 in the hybrid structure. When applied as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the effect of Fe2O3/CNTs weight ratio and pyrolysis temperature on the electrochemical performance of Fe2O3/CNTs composites have been researched. The electrode of M-400 (44.8% Fe2O3) delivers a charge capacity of 619 mAh g(-1) after 80 cycles at 50 mA g(-1) with excellent cyclability (94.9% capacity retention), and retained 376 mAh g(-1) at the rate of 500 mA g(-1). Compared with pure CNTs and Fe2O3, the improved electrochemical performance of Fe2O3/CNTs composites could be attributed to the combined effects of uniformly dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles, highly strong network as well as facilitation of electron transfer contributed by CNTs.