Rapid synthesis of alpha-Fe2O3/rGO nanocomposites by microwave autoclave as superior anodes for sodium-ion batteries

alpha-Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized within 15 min through a facile, environmentally friendly microwave hydrothermal method. From field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, it can be determined that the alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, around 50 nm in diameter, are uniformly anchored on the graphene nanosheets. The as-obtained alpha-Fe2O3/rGO nanocomposites were applied as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries, which could deliver capacity of similar to 310 mAh g(-1) after 150 cycles at 100 mA g(-1). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.