Urchin-like α-Fe2O3/MnO2 hierarchical hollow composite microspheres as lithium-ion battery anodes.

Urchin-like α-Fe 2 O 3 /MnO 2 hierarchical hollow composite microspheres have been synthesized by using carbon as sacrificial templates. By combining the advantages of Fe 2 O 3 with high electrical conductivity and MnO 2 with high theoretical capacity, the urchin-like α-Fe 2 O 3 /MnO 2 composites present better electrochemical performances as a lithium ion battery anode compared with α-Fe 2 O 3 hollow spheres and MnO 2 hollow spheres. The α-Fe 2 O 3 /MnO 2 composites exhibit high initial discharge capacity of 1531 mAhg −1 and excellent reversible capacity of 860 mAhg −1 after 150 cycles at 0.1Ag −1 . Furthermore, the composites retain a discharge capacity of 494 mAhg −1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 Ag −1 . The excellent performances may originate from reinforced structural stability, large surface area and good electrical conductivity. The urchin-like α-Fe 2 O 3 /MnO 2 composite material may serve as a potential anode material for lithium-ion battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]