Carbon nanofibers impregnated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a flexible and high capacity negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries

The development of E-textiles requires portable devices for energy storage that do not compromise the comfort and functionality of the textile. In this work, a flexible carbon electrode, obtained by impregnation of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) on electrospinning carbon nanofibers (CNFs), was developed as a negative electrode for lithium batteries. The active anodic material was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical techniques. TEM images showed that Fe3O4-NPs particles, 32 nm in size, are well adsorbed on 400 nm CNFs. The electrochemical tests indicate that the presence of Fe3O4-NPs improves the electrochemical performance of the CNFs, achieving an initial high discharge capacity of 1146 mAh g(-1), superior to that exhibited for pure CNFs (480 mAh g(-1)). Also, higher coulombic efficiency (90%) was exhibited by the composite active material. However, a slight reduction of capacity retention at high C-rates was observed in the composite due to the lower electronic conductivity of Fe3O4-NPs. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The development of E-textiles relies on portable energy storage devices that maintain comfort and functionality. A flexible carbon electrode, impregnated with magnetite nanoparticles, was developed for lithium batteries and showed improved electrochemical performance. Despite a slight reduction in capacity retention at high C-rates due to lower electronic conductivity, the composite material achieved a higher initial discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency compared to pure carbon nanofibers.