Synthesis of nanorod-FeP@C composites with hysteretic lithiation in lithium-ion batteries

Nanorod-FeP@C composites are synthesized via a one-pot solution reaction of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)(2)) with excess triphenylphosphine (PPh3) in sealed vacuum tubes at 390 degrees C, in which PPh3 is used as both the phosphorus source and solvent in the reaction. The structure and lithium storage performance of the as-prepared nanorod-FeP@C composites are intensively characterized, and it is interesting that the composites exhibit an increased capacity during cycling serving as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Meanwhile, mechanism investigations reveal that the capacity increase of the composites results from a hysteretic lithiation of the nanostructured FeP phase due to the coating of the carbon shell in the composites. Meanwhile, cyclic stability investigation shows that the composites have a very good cyclic stability that shows potential for the composites with a long lifespan as a promising kind of anode material.