Elucidation of cube-like red iron oxide @ carbon nanofiber composite as an anode material for high performance lithium-ion storage

Abstract

Herein, a red iron oxide @ carbon fiber (RIO@CF) composite is prepared via a simple and effective single hydrothermal and calcination process. The physico-chemical characteristics of as-prepared electrode active materials are examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution field emission-scanning electron microscopy and field emission-tunneling electron microscopy analyses. When used as the anode material in the Li-ion battery, as-prepared RIO@CF composite have shown a specific capacity of 1138 mAh g(-1) after 150 cycles with a capacity retention of 86% at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). Moreover, a specific capacity of 825 mAh g(-1) is achieved in the first cycle at a current density of about 5000 mA g(-1). Thus, when compared to the pristine nano-cube-like red iron oxide (RIO) electrode material, the RIO@CF composite electrode exhibits an outstanding cyclic stability and rate capacity. This electrochemical enhancement facilitates effective lithium ion transport into the RIO@CF composite electrode, thus improving the electrical conductivity. In addition, the application of a homogeneous carbon fiber coating can provide effective contact between the electrode surface and the electrolyte to further benefit the electrochemical performance. (C) 2021 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.