Graphene-encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles show high capacity and cycle life as Li-ion anode material
12 November 2010
Researchers in Australia and China have synthesized Fe3O4–graphene composites with three-dimensional laminated structures using a simple in situ hydrothermal method.
The material shows the Fe3O4–graphene nanocomposite with a graphene content of 38.0 wt % exhibits a stable capacity of about 650 mAh g-1 with no noticeable fading for up to 100 cycles in the voltage range of 0.0–3.0 V.
The superior performance of Fe3O4–graphene is clearly established by comparison of the results with those from bare Fe3O4. The graphene nanosheets in the composite materials could act not only as lithium storage active materials, but also as an electronically conductive matrix to improve the electrochemical performance of Fe3O4.
—Wang et al.
A paper on their work was published online 5 November in Chemistry – A European Journal.
Resources
Wang, J.-Z., Zhong, C., Wexler, D., Idris, N. H., Wang, Z.-X., Chen, L.-Q. and Liu, H.-K. (2010) Graphene-Encapsulated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with 3D Laminated Structure as Superior Anode in Lithium Ion Batteries. Chemistry – A European Journal, doi: 10.1002/chem.201001348
100 cycles? How is that high cycle life? Need at least 1000 cycles to consider calling it high cycle life. 100 is less than PbA. or NiMh. Report back to us in a few months after it actually has been exposed to high cycle life.
Posted by: Eletruk | 12 November 2010 at 09:10 AM
Very interesting development to boast EV batteries performance. Many other batteries technology could benefit using a similar approach.
It seems that next generation improved batteries may come close to 600 Wh/Kg by 2015/16? or shortly thereafter. That could triple BEVs range and reduce the weight and size of PHEVs batteries by more than half.
Many of us will see the ideal 1000+ Wh/Kg battery in the not too distant (2020+) future, if some invisible interested hands do not manage block its development. Look at what is happening to London City e-cars introduction. A political mastered change just about stopped it.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 November 2010 at 09:14 AM
That's 100 cycles "with no noticeable fading".
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 12 November 2010 at 03:31 PM