One-step thermal decomposition of C4H4FeO6 to Fe3O4@carbon nano-composite for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract The applications of Fe3O4 in lithium-ion batteries are greatly restricted due to the low electrical conductivity, and poor cycling stability that is owing to the large volume expansion. To overcome these drawbacks, Fe3O4@C nano-composite was designed and synthesized via a one-step thermal decomposition of C4H4FeO6 served as the precursor for both Fe3O4 and carbon. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Fe3O4@C composite exhibits a reversible capacity of 680 mAh/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g, and after 600 times, the discharge capacity of the as-prepared Fe3O4@C networks is determined to be 590 mAh/g, showing superior cycling stability. The simple synthetic procedure and excellent performances makes Fe3O4@C a promising candidate as the potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries.