Direct synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles on an iron current collector as binder-free anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized on the surface of an iron mesh current collector via a simple thermal oxidation progress within 6 min. Without any further treatment, this calcinated iron mesh current collector can be used directly as binder-free anode for lithium ion batteries. Electrochemical tests show the obtained Fe2O3 anode a good rate behavior and an excellent cycling retention. After 200 cycles, this binder-free Fe2O3 anode still can afford a discharge capacity of 1050 rnAh g(-1) at the current density of 200 mA g(-1). The improvements of these electrochemical properties are attributed to the improved electron conductivity provided by the iron mesh current collector. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.