Protein-mediated synthesis of Fe3N nanoparticles embedded in hierarchical porous carbon for enhanced reversible lithium storage

Abstract

The development of cost-effective electrode materials with high electrochemical performance is of important significance for the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a novel electrode based on Fe3N nanoparticles anchoring on hierarchical porous carbon (C/Fe3N) is successfully synthesized by a freeze drying and subsequent in-situ nitridation process, using egg white protein as an intrinsic carbon and nitrogen source. The carbon matrix can buffer volume change of Fe3N nanoparticles and improve the electrical conductivity, while Fe3N nanoparticles in the carbon matrix can shorten the diffusion length of Li+. The C/Fe3N electrode displays a reversible capacity of 1007 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 150 cycles. It also delivers a prolonged cycling stability at a high current density of 5 A g−1, and retains a high reversible capacity of 444.8 mA h g−1 after 1500 cycles. This work provides a green and facile approach to design and fabricate Fe3N-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.