A synergic effect of N-Graphene wrapped a-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanofacets prepared by Microwave-assisted solvothermal method for Lithium-ion battery

Abstract

alpha-Fe2O3 nanofacets have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The nitrogen-doped reduced Graphene oxide (N-Graphene) was synthesized using Hummer's method. The prepared Fe2O3 and N-Graphene were mixed under certain proportions using a microwave treatment process to prepare a novel N-Graphene wrapped alpha-Fe(2)O(3)nanofacets. The synthesized samples were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Semi Macro Elemental (CHNS-OX) Analyzer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for identifying crystal structure and phase, the morphology of the nanostructure and the elemental configuration, respectively. The prepared N-Graphene wrapped alpha-Fe2O3 nanofacets were used as anode material and lithium metal as a counter electrode to fabricate half cell using Swagelok type lithium ion half cells. The electrochemical properties were studied and exhibited a large specific capacity of 878 mAhg(-1) after 100 cycles measured under 100 mAg(-1) current rate due to the synergic effect of N-Graphene and Fe2O3 nanofacets. The obtained capacity values are higher than the conventional Graphite as anode material due to the synergic effect on the properties of N-Graphene and alpha-Fe2O3 nanofacets and would be a promising potential candidate for the electrochemical devices.