Epitaxial Growth of Branched α‐Fe₂O₃/SnO₂ Nano‐Heterostructures with Improved Lithium‐Ion Battery Performance

Abstract

Abstract We report the synthesis of a novel branched nano‐heterostructure composed of SnO 2 nanowire stem and α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanorod branches by combining a vapour transport deposition and a facile hydrothermal method. The epitaxial relationship between the branch and stem is investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The SnO 2 nanowire is determined to grow along the [101] direction, enclosed by four side surfaces. The results indicate that distinct crystallographic planes of SnO 2 stem can induce different preferential growth directions of secondary nanorod branches, leading to six‐fold symmetry rather than four‐fold symmetry. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the function, such α‐Fe 2 O 3 /SnO 2 composite material is used as a lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) anode material. Low initial irreversible loss and high reversible capacity are demonstrated, in comparison to both single components. The synergetic effect exerted by SnO 2 and α‐Fe 2 O 3 as well as the unique branched structure are probably responsible for the enhanced performance.