Iron-based bimetallic oxide carbon composites with superior lithium storage capabilities serve as anode in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have emerged as highly promising electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their versatile valence states and distinctive morphological attributes. Bimetallic oxides, in particular, exhibit the ability to mitigate the volume expansion associated with lithium alloying and de-alloying processes. Despite these advantages, metal oxides often suffer from drawbacks such as poor conductivity, limited cycle stability, and a propensity for lithiation. Addressing the challenges of low electronic conductivity, significant volume expansion, and inadequate uniformity, we synthesized two bimetallic oxide-based carbon composites via a “one-pot” solvothermal approach: ZnFe₂O₄@C and MnFe₂O₄@C. These composites are enveloped in a carbon shell derived from anhydrous ethanol. Notably, the specific discharge capacities of ZnFe₂O₄@C and MnFe₂O₄@C surpass those of their respective single metal oxide counterparts. Following nearly 300 cycles of charge and discharge operations at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹, ZnFe₂O₄@C exhibited a specific discharge capacity of 1528 mAh g⁻¹, while MnFe₂O₄@C demonstrated a capacity of 1283 mAh g⁻¹. The synthesis method offers simplicity, high yield, and uniform morphology, making it a promising avenue for enhancing the performance of LIBs electrode materials.