Preparation of Fe2O3@C composite with octahedron-like Fe2O3 embedded in carbon framework as a superior anode for LIBs

In this work, Fe2O3@C composite with octahedron-like Fe2O3 embedded in carbon framework was facilely synthesized by a template method followed by vacuum-drying. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Fe2O3@C sample could facilitate fast charge transfer due to semi-graphitized carbon framework, and shorten lithium-ion diffusion path benefitted from uniform monodisperse feature of the octahedron-like Fe2O3 nanoparticles. As a result, the Fe2O3@C electrode delivers a superior rate capability (∼414 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) and an excellent cyclability (retention rate of 82.1% after 600 cycles), suggesting its promising application in energy storage and conversion units.