Double-shelled hybrid MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 hollow microspheres as a high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries

Ternary metal oxides Fe2O3 and MgFe2O4 have attracted considerable attention as lithium anode materials owing to their high theoretical capacities, environmental friendliness, and low cost; however, their rapid capacity decay and large volume expansion inhibit their lithium storage performance. Herein, we synthesize hybrid MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 hollow microspheres (MFO/FO-HS) hydrothermally, via the polyol reaction of ethylene glycol, followed by calcination at different temperatures. The surface morphology was tuned by adjusting the calcination temperature, assisted by inward and outward Ostwald ripening. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the physio-chemical properties of the prepared samples. The sample calcined at 450 degrees C exhibited an excellent electrochemical performance and retained a reversible capacity of 1390 mAh g-1 after 160 cycles, indicating the significant role of calcination temperature in tuning the structural and electrochemical properties of anode materials. The double-shelled hollow microspheres inhibit rapid capacity decay and prevent severe volume expansion during the electrochemical process. This work opens new paths toward constructing an electrode material with a high electrochemical performance.CO 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.