SnO ₂ /Fe ₂ O ₃ hybrid nanofibers as high performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Abstract SnO 2 / α -Fe 2 O 3 hybrid nanofibers, consisting of one dimensional hollow SnO 2 nanotubes decorated with Fe 2 O 3 particles, are synthesized via a facile electrospinning process followed by a hydrothermal treatment and investigated as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The SnO 2 /Fe 2 O 3 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 SnO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 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 SnO 2 /Fe 2 O 3 nanofiber electrode shows superior electrochemical performance compared to the bare SnO 2 nanofiber electrode. In addition to a large first-cycle discharge capacity up to 1105 mAh g −1 , the hybrid SnO 2 /Fe 2 O 3 nanofibers electrode also exhibits good cycling stability and high rate capability.