FeF3 microspheres anchored on reduced graphene oxide as a high performance cathode material for lithium ion batteries

FeF3 microspheres/reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) composites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal route with HF vapor. The size of the microspheres was controllable simply by adjusting the amount of graphene oxide in the precursor solution from about 1 to 10 wt%. The FeF3 microspheres/r-GO composites showed improved discharge capacity and cycling stability in the voltage ranges of 1.5-4.5 V and 2.0-4.5 Vat room temperature compared to those of bulk FeF3. For example, the composites delivered an initial discharge capacity of about 196 mAhg(-1) at a rate of 0.1C with 0.28% fading per cycle during 50 cycles in the range of 2.0-4.5 V. The composites also showed significantly enhanced rate capabilities in the range of 0.1-20C (e.g., about 170 mAhg(-1) at a rate of 1C). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.