Template-free assembly of α-Fe2O3–SnO2 core–shell nanorod arrays on titanium foil and their excellent lithium storage performance

Abstract

α-Fe₂O₃–SnO₂ core–shell nanorod arrays on titanium foil have been assembled by a facile template-free method. At a rate of C/5 (5 h per charging cycle), their reversible capacity is ∼1059.9 mA h g⁻¹, higher than that of pure α-Fe₂O₃ nanorod array electrodes (∼858.3 mA h g⁻¹). After 30 cycles, the capacity is maintained at 807.1 mA h g⁻¹. Such high performances can be attributed to the synergistic effect between nanostructured SnO₂ and α-Fe₂O₃ and the nanoarray structures. α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures with high electrochemical activity can activate the irreversible capacity of SnO₂, and the nanoarray structures can provide good contact, short electron transporting paths, a high surface-to-volume ratio and open space in the system. These results indicate that one-dimensional nanocomposite arrays on metal foils are good candidates for high performance lithium ion batteries.