Preparation and electrochemical properties of (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite

Highlights: • The (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite was firstly prepared. • It was prepared by a novel gas/liquid interfacial synthesis approach. • Its electrochemical performances for the lithium storage were firstly studied. • It shows high reversible capacity, outstanding cyclability and excellent rate performance. -- Abstract: A (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite was prepared by using a gas/liquid interfacial synthesis approach. The as-prepared nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The transmission electron microscopy characterization results indicate that (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4 nanoparticles were successfully deposited onto the surfaces of graphene sheets during the gas/liquid interfacial reaction process. The electrochemical performances were evaluated by using coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. The (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite exhibited a high reversible specific capacity of 1048 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles at a specific current of 300 mA g−1 and good rate capability, even at a high specific current of 2000 mA g−1, the reversible specific capacity was still as high as 480 mAh g−1. Most importantly of all, the (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite also showed excellent cyclic stability (1113 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at the specific current of 300 mA g−1). These results indicate that the (Fe2.5Ti0.5)1.04O4–graphene nanocomposite is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries