A novel flexible electrode of Fe3O4-embedded in carbon felt as binder-free anode for lithium-ion batteries

The paper reports a novel flexible electrode based on Fe3O4-embedded in carbon felt via a facile hydrothermal method. As a binder-free anode for Lithium ion batteries, it exhibits a stable reversible capacity of 590 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), together with modified rate capability. The improved lithium storage properties can be attributed to the synergistic effect between nano-sized embedded Fe3O4 and carbon felt substrate. The elastic carbon fibers are beneficial for alleviating the volume expansion of Fe3O4 during continuous discharge/charge cycling. Besides, the designed structure leads to shorter ion transport path and better diffusion of electrolyte, resulting in the enhanced rate capacity and reversible capacity. The structure, morphology and the electrochemical performances of Fe3O4/carbon felt electrode for flexible Lithium ion batteries are analyzed in details.