Plasma Enabled Fe(2)O(3)/Fe(3)O(4) Nano-aggregates Anchored on Nitrogen-doped Graphene as Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Low electrical conductivity severely limits the application of Fe(2)O(3) in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. In respect of this, we design and fabricate Fe(2)O(3)/Fe(3)O(4) nano-aggregates anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene as an anode for sodium-ion batteries with the assistance of microwave plasma. The highly conductive Fe(3)O(4) in the composite can function as a highway of electron transport, and the voids and phase boundaries in the Fe(2)O(3)/Fe(3)O(4) heterostructure facilitate Na(+) ion diffusion into the nano-aggregates. Furthermore, the Fe–O–C bonds between the nano-aggregates and graphene not only stabilize the structural integrity, but also enhance the charge transfer. Consequently, the Fe(2)O(3)/Fe(3)O(4)/NG anode exhibits specific capacity up to 362 mAh g(−1) at 100 mA g(−1), excellent rate capability, and stable long-term cycling performance. This multi-component-based heterostructure design can be used in anode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries, and potential opens a new path for energy storage electrodes.