Lysine-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchically porous Fe2O3 microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A novel lysine-assisted hydrothermal process is first developed to produce hierarchically porous Fe2O3 microspheres assembled by well-crystalline nanoparticles. The fabrication process is very simple, without employing any surfactants or templates. A possible growth mechanism of the nano/microspherical superstructure is further discussed. The contribution of lysine to the formation of the unique microspheres is also tentatively proposed. Furthermore, as an anode electrode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the Fe2O3 microsphere displays excellent electrochemical performance. It also exhibits the feature of capacity increase upon cycling and shows a stable and reversible capacity of 705 mA h g(-1) after 430 cycles. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the Fe2O3 microsphere can be attributed to the hierarchical porosity, ordered microstructure, good electron pathways and easy penetration of the electrolyte. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.