Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous α-Fe2O3

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) α-Fe2O3 electrode materials with large pore sizes and interconnected macroporous frameworks were successfully synthesized by a simply modified colloidal crystal templating strategy. The obtained samples were characterized by means of thermogravimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 were evaluated with cyclic voltammetry and discharge–charge experiments in an organic electrolyte containing a lithium salt. The results showed that the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 possessed a potential to be used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries with high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1883 and 1139 mAh g−1, respectively. After 60th cycle, the reversible capacity could still be as high as 681 mAh g−1 with a stable Coulombic efficiency of around 95%.