Self-assembly synthesis of a unique stable cocoon-like hematite @C nanoparticle and its application in lithium ion...

A novel cocoon-like Fe₂O₃@C nanoparticle was fabricated via a facile hydrothermally molecular self-assembly procedure. Compared to bare Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, the carbon coated Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibit higher specific capacity, excellent rate capacity and cyclic stability as the anode in lithium ion batteries. These cocoon-like Fe₂O₃@C nanoparticles carry enhanced lithium storage properties with a reversible capacity of 358mAhg^-1 after 150 cycles under the current density of 1000mAg^-1, while the carbon-free bare Fe₂O₃ can only deliver a much lower capacity of 127.6mAhg^-1 with a continuously decreasing trend. The excellent performance of Fe₂O₃@C is attributed to the coated carbon layers, which not only enhance the electronic conductivity but also reduce the stress upon the Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles caused by the volume change during the charge/discharge process.