Electrospun Fe₂O₃-carbon composite nanofibers as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Background: With the increasing demand for large scale energy storage, people pay more and more attention on the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of its low cost and abundance resource. This paper provides a new kind of anode material with satisfied electrical performance for SIBs. Methods: Fe₂O₃-carbon composite nanofibers (FeCNFs) were synthesized through an uncomplicated and meliorable electrospinning process followed by calcination. The obtained FeCNFs were applied as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Results: The FeCNFs SIBs show excellent performance. At a current density of 50 mA g^-1, a high reversible capacity of 606 mA h g^-1 is achieved. Moreover, an ideal reversible capacity of 167 mAh g^-1 is achieved even at a current density of 500 mA g^-1, demonstrating good rate capability of FeCNFs. Conclusion: As compared with pure carbon nanofibers (CNFs), the capacity and rate capability of FeCNFs are drastically improved due to the homogeneous dispersed Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanofibers. Such a structure prevents the aggregation of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, maintains the structure integrity and thus enhances the electrochemical performance.