Topochemical synthesis of Bi2O3 microribbons derived from a bismuth oxalate precursor as high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Bismuth oxide (α-Bi2O3) microribbons are prepared from a precursor of Bi(C2H4)OH (BICH) with a ribbon shape. The as-prepared BICH is obtained through a facile hydrothermal procedure of the mixture of bismuth nitrate and oxalic acid aqueous solution. XRD, FESEM, TEM and TG-DTG are used to characterize the BICH. The obtained BICH precursor consists of a one-dimensional crystal structure, and has a width of 1 to 2 μm, a thickness of 200 to 400 nm, and a length of 5 to 20 μm. The thermal decomposition of the BICH microribbons leads to the formation of a well-defined Bi2O3 microribbon structure without morphology changes. Compared to commercial Bi2O3 powder, the as-prepared Bi2O3 acting as an anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) shows a higher capacity of about 1047 mA h g−1 at 150 mA g−1 after the 100th cycle. The good performance of the Bi2O3 microribbons can be attributed to better charge transfer properties, and shorter lithium-ion diffusion path. Owing to their excellent cyclability and rate performance, the Bi2O3 microribbons may become promising candidates for high-performance LIB applications in the future.