Negative electrode comprised of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Cu nanowires for lithium ion batteries

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a candidate anode material for Li ion batteries due to its low cost, high theoretical capacity, environmental benignity, and relative safety. Challenges that limit its realization as a suitable material include the low electrical conductivity and volume changes during charge and discharge processes, leading to poor cycleability. To overcome these challenges, we carried out research to electrodeposit Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto a network-like structure of Cu nanowires for use as an active anode component. Structural characterization showed that the Cu nanowires exhibited a strong contact with the Cu substrate, resulting in an excellent current collector. In addition, the electrodeposition process enables intimate adhesion between Fe304 and Cu nanowires. Galvanostatic cycling measurements revealed the initial discharge and charge capacities of 967.0 and 750.0 mAh g(-1), respectively. Further cycling showed a charge capacity of 735 mAh g(-1) up to 135 cycles with capacity retention of 98%. The exceptional electrochemical properties of the Fe3O4-Cu composite electrode make it an excellent candidate for anode material. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.