CuO–Fe2O3 nanoparticles embedded onto reduced graphene oxide nanosheets: a high‑performance nanocomposite anode for Li‑ion battery

Abstract

The development of safe, fast charging, and long-lasting Li-ion batteries has been taking major steps forward through novel combinations of nanomaterials. Here, using a co-precipitation technique, we embed CuO–Fe2O3 nanoparticles onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets for being employed as a Li-ion battery anode. The resultant CuO–Fe2O3/RGO nanocomposite (NC) shows an initial discharge capacity of 1339 mAh/g under a current density of 100 mA/g, together with coulombic efficiency of 84%. After 100 cycles, the respective discharge and charge capacities of the NC are found to be 859 and 850 mAh/g, indicating its high efficiency and durable cyclic performance. We also fabricate and characterize other RGO-based NCs such as CuO/RGO and Fe2O3/ RGO in order to understand the improved electrochemical performance of the combined constituents.