Facile preparation and promising lithium storage ability of α-LiFeO2/porous carbon nanocomposite

α -LiFeO 2 and its nanocomposite with porous carbon ( α- LiFeO 2 / PC) is prepared by a simple one-step solid-state method. They are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetry , differential scanning calorimetry , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, and BET surface area analysis techniques. When composited with PC, α- LiFeO 2 particles with smaller sizes locate on the surface or insert in the pores of PC. α- LiFeO 2 /PC can deliver the first discharge capacity of 1830 mAh/g, and 792 mAh/g can be maintained after 120 cycles at 0.1 C. Its capacity can reach to 570 mAh/g after 120 cycles even at 1C. The facile preparation method and nice electrochemical data, together with cheap and eco-friendly iron sources, make α- LiFeO 2 /PC a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.