Rational Design of Fe2O3 Nanocube‐Based Anodes for High‐Performance Li–Ion Batteries.

To design a high‐performance Fe2O3‐based anode for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), Fe2O3 nanocubes (Fe2O3–NCs) and their graphite‐modified (Fe2O3–NCs–G) composite were synthesized using a simple two‐step method. The Fe2O3–NCs–G composite consisted of homogeneously distributed individual Fe2O3–NCs with graphite matrices, which were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the Fe2O3–NCs–G composite delivered a high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. To demonstrate the electrochemical Li insertion/extraction mechanism of the Fe2O3–NCs–G composite electrodes, ex‐situ XRD and Fe K‐edge extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses were performed. Because of its structural merits, the synthesized Fe2O3–NCs–G composite exhibited high electrochemical performance featuring a high reversible capacity of 865 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and a fast rate capability, thus demonstrating its high possibility for high‐performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]