Li2ZnTi3O8@α-Fe2O3 composite anode material for Li-ion batteries

Li2ZnTi3O8@alpha-Fe2O3 composites have been successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal process. Li2ZnTi3O8/alpha-Fe2O3 composites show similar irregular spherical morphologies like Li2ZnTi3O8 and relatively smaller particle sizes than pristine Li2ZnTi3O8. Among all Li2ZnTi3O8/alpha-Fe2O3 composites, Li2ZnTi3O8/alpha-Fe2O3 composite (5 wt %) exhibits the best electrochemical properties. Li2ZnTi3O8/alpha-Fe2O3 composite (5 wt%) delivers a reversible charge capacity of 184.8 mAh g(-1) even at 1000 mA g(-1) after 500 cycles, while pristine Li2ZnTi3O8 only delivers a reversible charge capacity of 110.7 mAh g(-1). The strong covalent bonds between Li2ZnTi3O8 and alpha-Fe2O3 will be formed, which is beneficial for the reduction of interfacial energy and thus helpful for the stabilization of the composite. Because of the special synergistic effect of the multi-phase interface, Li2ZnTi3O8/alpha-Fe2O3 composites not only possess the advantages of single components but also show novel and attractive performances, such as the enhanced ionic conductivity, reduced interfacial charge transfer impedance, improved migration rate of lithium ions, and the enhancement of the rate performance and reversible capacity. The as-prepared Li2ZnTi3O8/ alpha-Fe2O3 composites reveal important potentials as anode materials for next-generation rechargeable Li-ion batteries, and this work also offers an effective strategy to design high performance lithium storage materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries.