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Soft template PEG-assisted synthesis of Fe3O4@C nanocomposite as superior anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

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  • Materials Science
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Science Bulletin

Abstract

Carbon-encapsulated Fe3O4 composites were successfully fabricated via hydrothermal method and examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The Fe3O4@C nanocomposite as an anode material with novel structure demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance, with enhanced specific reversible capacity (950 mAh/g at the current density of 50 mA/g after 50 cycles), remarkable rate capability (more than 650 mAh/g even at the current density of 1,000 mA/g) and good cycle ability with less capacity fading (2.4 % after 50 cycles). Two factors have been attributed to the ultrahigh electrochemical performance: Firstly, the 30- to 50-nm spherical structure with a short diffusion pathway and the amorphous carbon layer could not only provide extra space for buffering the volumetric change during the continuous charging–discharging but also improve the whole conductivity of the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite electrode; secondly, the synergistic effects of Fe3O4 and carbon could avoid Fe3O4 direct exposure to the electrolyte and maintain the structural stabilization of Fe3O4@C nanocomposite. It was suggested that the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite could be suitable as an alternative anode for lithium-ion batteries with a high application potential.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51201066 and 51171065), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (S2012020010937 and 10351063101000001), the Scientific and Technological Plan of Guangdong Province (2013B010403032) and the Education Department of Guangdong Province Science and Technology Innovation Project (2013KJCX0183).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China

    Xianhua Hou, Wanli Zhang, Xinyu Wang & Shejun Hu

  2. Engineering Research Center of Materials and Technology for Electrochemical Energy Storage Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China

    Xianhua Hou & Shejun Hu

  3. School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China

    Changming Li

Authors
  1. Xianhua Hou
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  2. Wanli Zhang
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  3. Xinyu Wang
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  4. Shejun Hu
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  5. Changming Li
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Hou, X., Zhang, W., Wang, X. et al. Soft template PEG-assisted synthesis of Fe3O4@C nanocomposite as superior anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Sci. Bull. 60, 884–891 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-015-0778-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-015-0778-z

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