Lithium Storage Behavior of Expanded Microcrystalline Graphite/Fe2o3 Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Driven by the pressing need for improved lithium-ion batteries performance in electric vehicles and portable electronics, this research endeavors to develop novel high-performance anode materials. We innovatively employed EMG as the substrate and introduced Fe2O3 nanoparticles through a facile synthesis strategy, precisely adjusting to the optimal doping ratio (mass ratio of EMG to FeCl3 of 1:1.2). This process yielded a microcrystalline graphite/Fe2O3 (EMG/Fe2O3) composite material that exhibited a reversible capacity of 1114.10 mAh·g-1 after 100 cycles, with a capacity retention rate of 90.39%. This can be attributed to the porous structure of the EMG, which effectively mitigates the volume expansion of iron ions, while the addition of Fe2O3 can improve electronic conductivity and ion activity. Furthermore, the composite material exhibits a high capacitive contribution rate, which facilitates the insertion and extraction of Li+, thereby shortening the diffusion path of lithium ions. This research not only uncovers the synergistic mechanism between EMG and Fe2O3 but also presents a novel strategy and offers a fresh perspective for achieving a breakthrough in the performance of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Keywords: Lithium-ion batteries, expanded microcrystalline graphite, Fe2O3, anode material, Lithium storage performance