Optimization of NiFe2O4/rGO composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract The combination of carbon compositing and the proper choice of binders in one system offer an effective strategy for improving electrode performance for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we focus on the optimization of reduced graphene oxide content in NiFe 2 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide (abbreviated to NiFe 2 O 4 /rGO) composites and the proper choice of binders to enhance the cycling stability of the NiFe 2 O 4 electrode. The NiFe 2 O 4 /rGO composites were fabricated by a hydrothermal-annealing method, in which the mean size of spinel NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles was approximately 20 nm. When tested as anode materials for LIBs, the NiFe 2 O 4 /rGO electrodes with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) binder exhibited excellent lithium-storage performance including high reversible capacity, good cycling durability and high-rate capability. The capacity could be retained as high as 1105 mAh g −1 at a current density of 100 mA g −1 for over 50 cycles, even cycled at higher current density of 1000 mA g −1 , a capacity of 800 mAh g −1 can be obtained, whereas the electrode with the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder suffered from rapid capacity decay under the same test conditions. As a result, the NiFe 2 O 4 /rGO composites with CMC binder electrode in this work are promising as anodes for high-performance LIBs, resulting from the synergistic effect of optimal graphene content and proper choice of binder.