Helical carbon nanofibers modified with Fe2O3 as a high performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Helical carbon nanofibers (HCNFs) modified with Fe₂O₃ (Fe₂O₃/HCNFs) with a particle size of about 10–20 nm were first introduced for potential use as a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Fe₂O₃/HCNFs were successfully prepared via a chemical liquid deposition (CLPD) method in this study. HCNFs with a special three-dimensional helical structure improve the conductivity and also provide a strong supporting network space for stress and strain during the volume expansion of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The Fe₂O₃/HCNF anode still retains its capacity of 816.3 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g⁻¹, which is significantly better than those of contrast samples (only 144.2 mA h g⁻¹ for the bare Fe₂O₃, 241.2 mA h g⁻¹ for HCNFs and 486.4 mA h g⁻¹ for Fe₂O₃–HCNFs). These superior properties and facile preparation represent the potential of Fe₂O₃/HCNF anode materials for LIB application.