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Epitaxial Growth of Branched α‐Fe 2 O 3 /SnO 2 Nano‐Heterostructures with Improved Lithium‐Ion Battery Performance
Author(s) -
Zhou Weiwei,
Cheng Chuanwei,
Liu Jinping,
Tay Yee Yan,
Jiang Jian,
Jia Xingtao,
Zhang Jixuan,
Gong Hao,
Hng Huey Hoon,
Yu Ting,
Fan Hong Jin
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201100088
Subject(s) - materials science , nanorod , high resolution transmission electron microscopy , nanowire , heterojunction , epitaxy , transmission electron microscopy , lithium (medication) , nanotechnology , anode , hydrothermal circulation , chemical engineering , optoelectronics , chemistry , electrode , medicine , layer (electronics) , endocrinology , engineering
Abstract We report the synthesis of a novel branched nano‐heterostructure composed of SnO 2 nanowire stem and α‐Fe 2 O 3 nanorod branches by combining a vapour transport deposition and a facile hydrothermal method. The epitaxial relationship between the branch and stem is investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The SnO 2 nanowire is determined to grow along the [101] direction, enclosed by four side surfaces. The results indicate that distinct crystallographic planes of SnO 2 stem can induce different preferential growth directions of secondary nanorod branches, leading to six‐fold symmetry rather than four‐fold symmetry. Moreover, as a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the function, such α‐Fe 2 O 3 /SnO 2 composite material is used as a lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) anode material. Low initial irreversible loss and high reversible capacity are demonstrated, in comparison to both single components. The synergetic effect exerted by SnO 2 and α‐Fe 2 O 3 as well as the unique branched structure are probably responsible for the enhanced performance.