Synthesis of Fe2O3nanomaterials for a rechargeable battery anode

Abstract

Iron electrode plays an important role in iron-air batteries. Mastering the fabrication technology of this electrode material is a key step in improving capacity, cycling efficiency, and lowering the cost of commercial batteries. The sol-gel method is known to be simple and easy to implement for producing nanomaterials. In this study, α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with various shapes were synthesised by the sol-gel method for iron-air battery anodes. Electrochemical characteristic measurements performed on Fe₂O₃/AB electrodes using synthesised Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials showed that the size and morphology of iron particles strongly affect their cycleability. Optimisation of the fabrication process to obtain the suitable Fe₂O₃ particle size and shape for the best electrochemical properties was performed. Additionally, the effect of the K₂S additive in electrolyte solution on the electrochemical properties of the Fe₂O₃/AB electrode was also studied.