One-pot synthesis of hematite@graphene core@shell nanostructures for superior lithium storage

Abstract

Novel hematite@graphene composites have been successfully synthesized by a one-pot surfactant governed approach under mild wet-chemical conditions. A series of characterizations including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the hematite nanoparticles with relatively uniform size were encapsulated by graphene layers and were able to form core–shell nanostructures. The electrochemical properties of hematite@graphene core–shell nanostructures as anodes for lithium-ion batteries were evaluated by galvanostatic charge–discharge and AC impedance spectroscopy techniques. The as-prepared hematite@graphene core–shell nanostructures exhibited a high reversible specific capacity of 1040 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 200 mA g⁻¹ (0.2 C) after 180 cycles and excellent rate capability and long cycle life. Furthermore, a reversible capacity as high as 500 mA h g⁻¹ was still achieved after 200 cycles even at a high rate of 6 C. The electrochemical test results show that the hematite@graphene composites prepared by the one-pot wet chemical method are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.