Combustion synthesized rod-like nanostructure hematite with enhanced lithium storage properties

Fe2O3 nanorods are synthesized by combustion method using alcohol as both solvent and fuel, which is a facile and effective strategy for the large-scale and inexpensive fabrication. The Fe2O3 nanorods are with the well distributed diameters of 20–30 nm and length ranging from 80 to 100 nm. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Fe2O3 nanorod electrode delivers a high discharge capacity of 761.7 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles at 500 mA g−1, and 727.2 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 2000 mA g−1. The good electrochemical performance is attributed to the sufficient contact of active material and electrolyte, large surface area, and short diffusion length of Li+.