Constructing 3D sandwich-like carbon coated Fe2O3/helical carbon nanofibers composite as a superior lithium-ion batteries anode

Abstract

In this study, a novel carbon-coated Fe2O3/helical carbon nanofibers (C@Fe2O3/HCNFs) composite with 3D sandwich-like structure was first successfully synthesized through a facile two-step method and utilized as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A carbon layer with a thickness of about 3–5 nm was uniformly coated on the surface of the C@Fe2O3/HCNFs composites, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a particle size of about 5–20 nm was distributed between the carbon layer and HCNFs matrix. The C@Fe2O3/HCNFs anode shows excellent long-term cycle life and stability, and the discharge performance can reach 1298.6 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 200 mA/g, which is 59 % higher than that of Fe2O3/HCNFs anode. The electrochemical performance and stable structure of C@Fe2O3/HCNFs composites are improved due to the interaction between the carbon coating layers, HCNFs, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles during the charge–discharge process. The present study reveals the potential application of C@Fe2O3/HCNFs as a novel anode material for LIBs..