Fe3O4–CNTs nanocomposites: Inorganic dispersant assisted hydrothermal synthesis and application in lithium ion batteries

Fe3O4–CNTs nanocomposites with a particle size of ~80 nm have been synthesized through an organic-free hydrothermal synthesis strategy by using Sn(OH)62− as an inorganic dispersant, and served as anode materials of lithium ion batteries. Nano-sized and micro-sized Fe3O4 without CNTs have also been prepared for comparison. The cycle performances of the as-obtained Fe3O4 are highly size-dependent. The Fe3O4–CNTs nanocomposites can deliver reversible discharge capacity of ~700 mA h/g at a current density of 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The discharge capacity of the micro-sized Fe3O4 decreased to 171 mA h/g after 50 cycles. Our work not only provides new insights into the inorganic dispersant assisted hydrothermal synthesis of metal oxides nanocrystals but also gives guidance for finding new nanocomposites as anode materials of lithium ion batteries.