Rapid synthesis of α-Fe2O3/rGO nanocomposites by microwave autoclave as superior anodes for sodium-ion batteries.

α-Fe 2 O 3 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized within 15 min through a facile, environmentally friendly microwave hydrothermal method. From field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, it can be determined that the α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, around 50 nm in diameter, are uniformly anchored on the graphene nanosheets. The as-obtained α-Fe 2 O 3 /rGO nanocomposites were applied as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries, which could deliver capacity of ∼310 mAh g −1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]