The Role of Metallic Fe and Carbon Matrix in Fe[sub 2]O[sub 3]/Fe/Carbon Nanocomposite for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A comparative study is made on the cycle and rate performance of three -containing electrodes. The first electrode is made from a commercial nanosized powder, whereas the second is made from a carbon-supported nanosized ( composite). The third electrode is prepared by modifying the second, incorporating the metallic Fe into the particles ( composite). Three electrodes show the following performance order in the cycle retention and rate capability: nanosized composite. The reverse order is, however, found on both the electrode volume change and the evolution of internal resistance. Thus, the best performance observed with the composite electrode has been ascribed to the presence of a carbon support and metallic Fe, both of which seem to play two important roles: the buffering action against the massive volume change in particles and providing an electronically conductive network within the swollen electrode layer.