Synthesis and Applications of Graphene/Iron(III) Oxide Composites

Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) has attracted great attention, owing to its abundant natural resources, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Nevertheless, this material possesses an inferior rate capability and a cycle stability that is similar to most transition metal oxides. Graphene, with a one-atom-thick 2D structure, possesses superior mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and stability, and excellent electrical and electrochemical behaviors. The hierarchical structure of graphene/Fe2O3 composites provides a porous conductive network, close contact between the graphene and Fe2O3, a stress buffer space for charge transport, and superior structural stability. This composite consists of high conductivity graphene with interconnected Fe2O3, thus exposing abundant active sites for redox reactions and providing sufficient contacts with the electrolyte. Consequently, materials composed of Fe2O3 and graphene have been widely explored, owing to their outstanding synergistic effects. Graphene can effectively limit the volume expansion and agglomeration of Fe2O3, whereas Fe2O3 can prevent the re-stacking of graphene at the same time. This article mainly discusses the preparation of Fe2O3/graphene materials and their applications, including supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, catalysis, and so forth. In addition, the perspectives and challenges of Fe2O3/graphene materials for different applications are also discussed.