Synthesis of 1D porous Fe2O3 nanostructures using SiO2 scaffold towards good lithium storages

Abstract

How to well retain the specific structures during the thermal transformation from metal hydroxide, carbonate, or acetate precursors to metal oxides is a challenging mission. A novel SiO2 scaffold method has been developed for the first time to synthesize 1D porous Fe2O3 nanostructures. The coated SiO2 shell supplies additional mechanical support to prevent the collapse of nanorod precursors during the heat-treatment. The obtained 1D porous nanostructures possess great benefits for electrochemical lithium storage, including high contact surface area between active materials and electrolyte, pores for easily electrolyte penetration, and shortened migration path for Li+ and electron. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the sample delivers high capacity and improved cyclic stability.