Fe2O3/C nanomaterials synthesized by microwave for energy storage applications

Abstract

In this study, Fe(NO₃)₃.6H₂O was used as the iron source for synthesising Fe₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃/C nanomaterials by microwave together with calcination. Physical characterisations of the synthesised materials have been evaluated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with x-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The Fe₂O₃/C composite electrodes were prepared based on Fe₂O₃/C nanomaterials and used as the negative electrode in the iron-based rechargeable battery. The electrochemical properties of Fe₂O₃/C composite electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The obtained results show that the synthesised conditions affect the redox reactions of the Fe₂O₃/C electrodes. The influences of additives on the electrochemical properties of Fe₂O₃/C electrodes were also examined. The additives in electrode and electrolyte improved the cyclability, discharge capacity of Fe₂O₃/C electrode.