The structure-directing role of graphene in composites with porous FeOOH nanorods for Li ion batteries

Graphene sheets that contain porous iron oxides including Fe2O3 and FeOOH nanorods were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal route. A novel mechanism for controlling the structure of graphene-based composites was developed. Porous FeOOH nanorods with a high capacity for electron- and ion-transport were synthesized by controlling the composition of GO dispersion. The synthesized graphene/FeOOH composite anode exhibited an excellent electrochemical performance in which a reversible capacity of 304 mA h g(-1) was reached with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency after 1000 cycles of charge and discharge under a high current rate of 5 A g(-1).