Iron supported C@Fe3O4 nanotube array: a new type of 3D anode with low-cost for high performance lithium-ion batteries

Rational design and engineering of materials and/or structures for novel electrodes leading to next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power densities is a major challenge to the ever-growing needs of the electronic and automobile industries. To tackle this issue, we have designed a new type of 3D anode by anodization of iron foil to form a highly ordered Fe3O4 nanotube array directly on a low-cost current collector (Fe foil) followed by carbonization of pre-adsorbed glucose on the nanotube array at 500 degrees C. In such an electrode, each part plays its desired role, with the Fe foil being a low cost and stable current collector, Fe3O4 working as a high-capacity active material, and the carbon coating forming an electron conducting network and stable solid electrolyte interface. High capacity (1020 mu A h cm(-2) at 20 mu A cm(-2)) and high rate capability (176 mu A h cm(-2) at 1000 mu A cm(-2)) were achieved in this newly designed electrode. Overall, the results described in this work provide a promising route to facile and large-scale production of a low-cost 3D composite electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance.