An easy and novel approach to prepare Fe3O4–reduced graphene oxide composite and its application for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this paper, a ferroferric oxide–reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄–rGO) composite is prepared by a facile one-step solvothermal method in which the reduction process of graphene oxide (GO) into rGO was accompanied by the generation of Fe₃O₄ particles without additional molecular linkers and further process. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the composite reveals the presence of face-centered cubic Fe₃O₄. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that the GO is reduced to rGO in the solvothermal process. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composite indicate that the porous Fe₃O₄ particles are anchored on rGO sheets with an average diameter of ∼160 nm, and the amount of Fe₃O₄ is about 80.7 wt% by thermo-gravimetric (TG) analysis. The Fe₃O₄–rGO composite exhibits improved cycling stability and rate performances as a potential anode material for high-performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs). It has specific capacities for the first discharge and charge of 1912 and 1450 mA h g⁻¹, respectively, which is higher than that of pure Fe₃O₄. Meanwhile, it shows good capacity retention of 1031 mA h g⁻¹ after 50 cycles, still 84% of the initial capacity. This outstanding electrochemical behaviour can be attributed to the increased electrical conductivity and mechanical stability of Fe₃O₄ by rGO support during the charging and discharging processes.