MWCNTs modified α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles as anode active materials and carbon nanofiber paper as a flexible current collector for lithium-ion batteries application.

Abstract α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrids were successfully prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The MWCNTs enhances the conductivity and provides space for stress and strain during volume expansion of α-Fe 2 O 3 semiconductor as the anode for LIBs. The composite shows impressive electrochemical performance when it was used as the electrodes of coin cells. The α-Fe 2 O 3 electrode with 50 wt% MWCNTs retains its capacity of 816.8 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1, which is superior to those of contrast samples (bare α-Fe 2 O 3 , pure MWCNTs, 10 wt%, 30 wt%, 70 wt% MWCNT/α-Fe 2 O 3 hybrids). Furthermore, the flexible carbon nanofiber paper (CNP) has also been investigated as a novel current collector with lithium storage for application in LIBs, and the capacity of free-standing α-Fe 2 O 3 /50 wt%MWCNTs/CNP hybrids electrode can retain 467.2 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles under the current density of changes from 2500 mA g−1 to 200 mA g−1. The MWCNTs improved cycle performance, enhanced reversible capacities and rate capability of MWCNTs/α-Fe 2 O 3 anodes can attribute to the inherent conducting network, shorten electron pathway and faster reaction kinetics. Highlights • α-Fe 2 O 3 /MWNT nanocomposite electrodes for flexible LIBs. • α-Fe 2 O 3 embedded in the outer carbon nanotube. • Hybrids electrode exhibits superior electrochemical properties. • Free-standing carbon nanofiber paper applied to light-weighted LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]