Facile synthesis of MgFe2O4/C composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with excellent cycling and rate performance

A MgFe2O4/C material is prepared by a sol-gel auto -combustion process followed by carbon coating with glucose as a carbon source. The obtained MgFe2O4/C sample shows remarkably enhanced specific capacity and rate performance. A reversible capacity of about 1965 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 0.1C (107.2 mA g(-1)) is obtained. Specifically, the MgFe2O4/C composite electrode delivers a reversible specific capacity of 500 mA h g(-1) even at 10C (10 000 mA g(-1)), indicating the excellent rate capability of the MgFe2O4 electrode.