SnO₂/Fe₂O₃ hybrid nanofibers as high performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

SnO₂/α-Fe₂O₃ hybrid nanofibers, consisting of one dimensional hollow SnO₂ nanotubes decorated with Fe₂O₃ particles, are synthesized via a facile electrospinning process followed by a hydrothermal treatment and investigated as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The SnO₂/Fe₂O₃ hybrid nanofibers not only provide a large surface area for lithium storage sites, but also show the capability of fast charge transport for both electrons and lithium ions. Both SnO₂ and Fe₂O₃ contribute to the lithium storage and the hybrid structure exhibits a synergistic effect when participating in electrochemical reactions. With the smart structure design, the hybrid SnO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanofiber electrode shows superior electrochemical performance compared to the bare SnO₂ nanofiber electrode. In addition to a large first-cycle discharge capacity up to 1105 mAh g^-1, the hybrid SnO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanofibers electrode also exhibits good cycling stability and high rate capability.