Three-dimensional-network Fe₃O₄/Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes Composite with High Rate Cycling Capability as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract

Fe₃O₄/graphene/carbon nanotubes composite was successfully synthesized through a facile solvothermal process. The Fe₃O₄ particles are dispersed in the three-dimensional (3D) conductive network forming by graphene nanosheets and cross-linked CNTs. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the adding ratio of GO and CNTs in solvothermal process influences the electrochemical performance of the products. The obtained composite by the adding ratio of GO and CNTs 1:1 displays good electrochemical performance. The composite shows an initial charge capacity of 1244.9 and 1012.1 mA·h·g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at a current density of 500 mA·g⁻¹. At the current density of 1300 mA·g⁻¹, it delivers 710.2 mA·h·g⁻¹ after 200 cycles, remaining the initial charge capacity of 90.8%. In addition, the composite shows good coulomb efficiency and rate performance. The good performance of composite is described to the uniform distribution of Fe₃O₄ particles, graphene and CNTs in the 3D conductive network structure, which is beneficial for the electrolyte penetrating into the composite in all directions.