Constructing aligned γ-Fe2O3 nanorods with internal void space anchored on reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for excellent lithium storage

Unique 1D aligned γ-Fe2O3 nanorods anchored on 2D reduced graphene oxide nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a facile seed-assisted solution reaction and subsequent thermal decomposition method. The structural and compositional analyses by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that each γ-Fe2O3 nanorod possesses internal void spaces. The special structural nature of the γ-Fe2O3 nanorods together with the hierarchical nanoarchitectures is responsible for a large specific surface area of ∼193.6 m2 g−1. When evaluated as an anode material for LIBs, the as-prepared composite electrodes delivered superior capacity, better cycling stability and rate capability. The excellent lithium storage properties are attributed to the advantageous structural features.