Factors Influencing Iron utilization of Iron Compound/Carbon Nanofiber Composite Electrode

Abstract

A comparative study of composite electrodes consisting of nanoparticles of iron compounds with fibrous nano-carbon in alkaline electrolyte was conducted to ascertain the morphological or composition factors that can increase the iron capacity. The preparation method and the iron content of a composite electrode affect the capacity per unit of iron mass. Particularly by increasing the iron content using a solution process, the capacity can be increased considerably up to ca. 460 mAh (g Fe)⁻¹ for an Fe(OH)_x/carbon composite. Such improved iron utilization in these composites suggests a catalytic effect of some intermediate species. Addition of a model candidate of an intermediate species, FeOOH, even of only 3 wt%, can improve the iron utilization in a Fe(OH)_x/carbon composite.