Flexible free-standing Fe₂O₃/graphene/carbon nanotubes hybrid films as anode materials for high performance lithium-ion batteries

Free-standing, flexible, paper-like Fe₂O₃/graphene/carbon nanotubes (Fe₂O₃/GCNTs) ternary hybrid film with a three-dimensional hierarchical structure is synthesized through a simple filtration and a subsequent reduction process. The Fe₂O₃ particles are densely anchored onto the GCNTs conducting network, which serves as an ideal host for fast and efficient lithium storage. The layered GCNTs network not only withstands the huge stresses caused by Fe₂O₃ expansion/extraction but prevents the agglomeration of Fe₂O₃ upon continuous charging/discharging. The as-synthesized Fe₂O₃/GCNTs hybrid film is directly used as an anode for both half and full lithium-ion cells. Electrochemical measurement results indicate a high reversible capacity and a good rate capability can be realized on the hybrid when tested in half cell system. Furthermore, the prepared anode also shows favorable operation in full cell system comprising LiCoO₂ cathode. These superior electrochemical performances of the hybrid film can be ascribed to the unique micro-structure, surface properties, and the strong synergistic effects among the individual component.