Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Fe₃C-carbon Composite as an Anode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries

Novel Fe₃C carbon composite was proposed as new low cost and low environmental impact anode for Li-ion battery. Although the delithiated capacity of Fe₃C without AB were 100 mAh g⁻¹ in the first cycle at a rate of 7 mA g⁻¹, that of Fe₃C with AB was improved to 230 mAh g⁻¹ at a rate of 50 mA g⁻¹. Moreover, nanoparticle-Fe₃C carbon composite including a relatively high-purity Fe₃C could be obtained from α-Fe₂O₃ and ion-exchange resin. The best initial delithiated capacity more than 320 mAh g⁻¹ at a rate of 50 mA g⁻¹ and improved anode performance were obtained in the Fe₃C-carbon composite sintered at 650°C.