Preparation and study of characteristics of LiCoO2/Fe3O4/Li2B2O4 nanocomposites as ideal active materials for electrochemical hydrogen storage

Abstract

The nanocomposites of LiCoO2/Fe3O4/Li2B2O4 were designed by the Pechini route using different fuels for the optimization of their morphology and structure. Compared to other fuels, citric acid can act as both an ideal fuel and a capping agent. The ratio of the EG[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]H2O mixture is another parameter, which was studied in terms of its effects on the structural characterization. The optimized sample with a rod shape was selected to compare with the bulk sample through electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity. The discharge capacity for rod-shaped nanocomposites measured was 1284 mA h g−1. However, the discharge capacity for the bulk morphology was calculated to be about 694 mA h g−1. The magnetic, electrochemical and structural analyses were performed to investigate the properties of LiCoO2/Fe3O4/Li2B2O4 nanocomposites.