General Approach to Single and Hybrid Metal Oxide Fiber Structures for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Owing to the high specific capacity and energy density, metal oxides have become very promising electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor electrical conductivity accompanied with inferior cycling stability resulting from large volume changes are the main obstacles to achieve a high reversible capacity and stable cyclability. Herein, a facile and general approach to fabricate SnO₂ , Fe₂ O₃ and Fe₂ O₃ /SnO₂ fibers is proposed. The appealing structural features are favorable for offering a shortened lithium-ion diffusion length, easy access for the electrolyte and reduced volume variation when used as anodes in LIBs. As a consequence, both single and hybrid oxides show satisfactory reversible capacities (1206 mAh g^-1 for Fe₂ O₃ and 1481 mAh g^-1 for Fe₂ O₃ /SnO₂ after 200 cycles at 200 mA g^-1 ) and long lifespans.