A simple route to preparing γ-Fe2O3/RGO composite electrode materials for lithium ion batteries

A simple approach to synthesizing -Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets is demonstrated for the first time. It was found that iron metal can substantially reduce few-layer graphene oxide (GO) to form reduced graphene oxide (RGO) in GO aqueous suspension under ambient conditions, and in the meantime be oxidized to form -Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of RGO sheets. The -Fe2O3/RGO composite delivered both stable cycling performance and good rate capability when used as an anode in a lithium-ion battery cell. This novel experimental method for synthesizing -Fe2O3/RGO composite materials is cost-effective, eco-friendly and suitable for synthesizing other metal oxide/RGO composite materials.