Self-assembly of pyramid-like magnetites with hierarchical structures as lithium battery anode materials

Abstract: Pyramid-like magnetite crystals are assembled via a simple one-pot hydrothermal process with industrialized environmental free raw materials. It is revealed that these crystals have hierarchical structures which are self-assembled of nano-sized ultrafine magnetite spheres. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared magnetite are studied by galvanostatic cell cycling at different current rates. The electrodes exhibit high reversible specific capacity (about 1600mAhg−1 at 40mAg−1 ) at low rate and good cycle property at 1C. The specific capacity increases after it reaches a minimum, which is believed to be related to the formation of SEI film. After cycled 500 times at 1C, the reversible capacity is still higher than 340mAhg−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]