Facile fabrication of FeTe/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for sodium (potassium) storage

FeTe/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites have been synthesized using hydrothermal method followed by anneal process. The structure and morphology of FeTe/RGO nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For Na-ion batteries anode, the FeTe/RGO electrode exhibits stable cyclability with a reversible capacity of 360 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g −1 and good rate capability. For K-ion batteries anode, the FeTe/RGO electrode also exhibits a reversible capacity of 320 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g −1 and good rate capability. The good electrochemical performance of the FeTe/RGO electrode is ascribed to its unique structure, which can accommodate volume variation of FeTe and enhance the electronic conductivity. The synthesis approach in this work is facile, cost-effective, which can be potentially used to fabricate other metal tellurides/RGO composites as well. Considering the excellent electrochemical properties of FeTe/RGO, it is suggested that the FeTe/RGO is favorable for the potential applications in electrochemical device.