One-step hydrothermal synthesis of Fe2O3@TiO2 microspheres with high lithium storage performance

The precursor of Fe(OH)3, C and TiO2 was synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. Then, the of C in the composite was eliminated by calcination at 500 °C for 5 h in an air atmosphere. Thereby, a Fe2O3@TiO2 microspheres composite material is synthesized. The incorporation of Fe2O3 helps provide high specific capacity, high speed cycling and stable life performance. The first discharge capacity of Fe2O3@TiO2 microspheres is 688 mAh g−1, with higher discharge performance, higher reversible capacity and higher cycle performance. Moreover, the 2nd to 50th charge and discharge of Fe2O3@TiO2 microspheres, the capacitance retention rate exceeds 90%. The outstanding stable cycling and well rate performance suggest that Fe2O3@TiO2 microspheres have great potential to be applied as anode material for lithium ion batteries.