Synthesis and electrochemical properties of α-Fe2O3 porous microrods as anode for lithium-ion batteries

A new α-Fe2O3 porous microrods using as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction and heat treatment at different temperature. The effect of calcination temperature on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of α-Fe2O3 microrods anode materials has been systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the calcination temperature can affect mesoporous distribution and the primary particle size of α-Fe2O3 microrods and then affect the electrochemical performance. The α-Fe2O3 microrods calcined at 700 °C (F700) outperformed other samples in terms of reversible capacity, cyclability, and rate capability. F700 exhibits excellent reversible capacity of 1083 mAh g−1 in the first cycle and 733 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1 in the range of 0.01–2.5 V. Therefore, α-Fe2O3 microrods can be one promising anode materials for LIBs.