Rational Design of Fe 2 O 3 Nanocube‐Based Anodes for High‐Performance Li–Ion Batteries

To design a high‐performance Fe 2 O 3 ‐based anode for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes (Fe 2 O 3 –NCs) and their graphite‐modified (Fe 2 O 3 –NCs–G) composite were synthesized using a simple two‐step method. The Fe 2 O 3 –NCs–G composite consisted of homogeneously distributed individual Fe 2 O 3 –NCs with graphite matrices, which were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the Fe 2 O 3 –NCs–G composite delivered a high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. To demonstrate the electrochemical Li insertion/extraction mechanism of the Fe 2 O 3 –NCs–G composite electrodes, ex‐situ XRD and Fe K‐edge extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses were performed. Because of its structural merits, the synthesized Fe 2 O 3 –NCs–G composite exhibited high electrochemical performance featuring a high reversible capacity of 865 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles and a fast rate capability, thus demonstrating its high possibility for high‐performance LIBs.