Facile and efficient synthesis of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals by glucose-assisted thermal decomposition method and its application in lithium ion batteries

Abstract Nanostructured electrode materials have significant potential for boosting the electrochemical performance of secondary batteries. Fabrication of these nanomaterials with a facile and cost-effective route is crucial for their practical applications. Herein, α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals are prepared by a rather simple and low-cost one-step thermal decomposition method with FeSO4·7H2O and glucose as raw materials. When evaluated as anode material for lithium ion batteries, the α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1100 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 300 cycles; The long-term cyclability shows 690 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1 after 800 cycles; Even when the current is increased to 10 A g−1, a comparable capacity of 406 mAh g−1 is retained. The microstructure and composition evolutions of the α-Fe2O3 electrode during cycling are analyzed by ex-situ field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. It is evidenced that the reversible interfacial lithium storage and pulverization of α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals are contributors to the enhanced capacity upon long-term cycling. When applied in a full cell lithium ion battery, the α-Fe2O3 nanocrystals electrode still display a high capacity and good cycling stability.