Magnetite/graphene composites: microwave irradiation synthesis and enhanced cycling and rate performances for lithium ion batteries

By employing microwave irradiation as a heat source, magnetite/graphene composites were synthesized by depositing Fe3+ in the interspaces of graphene sheets. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were dispersed on graphene sheets. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, they showed high reversible capacities, as well as significantly enhanced cycling performances (about 650 mA h g(-1) after 50 cycles) and high rate capabilities (350 mA h g(-1) at 5 C). The enhancement could be attributed to graphene sheets, which served as electron conductors and buffers. Our results opened a new doorway for the application of graphene sheets to prepare anode materials of lithium ion batteries with superior performances.