Biomass-Template Synthesis of Mesoporous α-Fe2O3 With Oxygen Vacancies for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

A biomass-template strategy for the synthesis of high-performance Li-ion batteries anode is highly desirable. In this study, we propose a mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ with oxygen vacancies derived from natural waste materials. This material was comprehensively characterized using TEM, BET, XPS, and in situ TEM. First-principles calculations reveal that O-defect in α-Fe₂O₃ enhances both Li adsorption energy and electrical conductivity. Benefiting from these unique features, the material exhibits outstanding long-term stability (1062.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 900 cycles at the current density of 1 A g⁻¹) along with rate capability (578.4 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 4 A g⁻¹). This design and synthesis strategy for novel mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ with oxygen vacancies as anode for LIBs is expected to be highly meaningful and effective.