Synthesis of Fe2O3 nanomaterials for a rechargeable battery anode

Abstract

Iron electrode plays an important role in iron-air batteries. Mastering the fabrication technology of this electrode material is a key step in improving capacity, cycling efficiency, and lowering the cost of commercial batteries. The sol-gel method is known to be simple and easy to implement for producing nanomaterials. In this study, α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with various shapes were synthesised by the sol-gel method for iron-air battery anodes. Electrochemical characteristic measurements performed on Fe2O3/AB electrodes using synthesised Fe2O3 nanomaterials showed that the size and morphology of iron particles strongly affect their cycleability. Optimisation of the fabrication process to obtain the suitable Fe2O3 particle size and shape for the best electrochemical properties was performed. Additionally, the effect of the K2S additive in electrolyte solution on the electrochemical properties of the Fe2O3/AB electrode was also studied.