Hierarchically structured Fe3O4/C nanosheets for effective lithium-ion storage

Abstract Carbon-coated magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 /C) nanocomposites with hierarchical structure have been subjected to extensive research due to their relatively large specific surface area, extra free voids, and thus enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this paper, Fe 3 O 4 /C nanosheets with hierarchical structure in the form of carbon matrix supporting Fe 3 O 4 nanocrystals have been prepared by annealing the nanosheet-like iron alkoxide precursor in N 2 atmosphere. The Fe 3 O 4 /C samples are characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N 2 sorption isotherms, and thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetric techniques, and further evaluated in the role of anode materials for LIBs. The specific discharge capacity of Fe 3 O 4 /C nanosheets obtained by annealing the precursor in N 2 at 600 °C for 3 h retains 647 and 546 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 100 and 200 mA g −1 , respectively, exhibiting superior electrochemical performance to many other Fe 3 O 4 /C nanocomposites in previous reports. The Fe 3 O 4 /C nanosheets presented here not only enrich the nanomaterial community but also provide a promising candidate functioning as an anode material for effective lithium-ion storage.