Co-pyrolysis synthesis of Fe3BO6 nanorods as high performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The high capacity, negligible toxicity, environmentally benign nature and abundant reserves (low cost of elements contained) of the Fe₃BO₆ nanomaterial enable it to be a highly promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, Fe₃BO₆ nanorods encapsulated in graphite (defined as “Fe₃BO₆@C”) core–shell like composites have been produced in situ firstly via a co-pyrolysis approach in a stainless-steel autoclave. After subsequent calcinations, Fe₃BO₆ nanorods with diameters in the range of 20–50 nm were obtained with high yield, which display a first discharge capacity of 1192 mA h g⁻¹ (with a coulombic efficiency of 70%). It is found that at the current density of 100 mA g⁻¹, the specific capacity of the Fe₃BO₆ nanorods can remain at 873.2 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles; it is worth noting that their specific capacity can still remain at 710 mA h g⁻¹ even if the current density was set at 1000 mA g⁻¹, indicating the excellent cycle stability and promising applications of the as-obtained Fe₃BO₆ nanorods utilized as anode material at high power field.