Fabrication and properties of Fe3O4/C composite materials

Abstract

Climate change is currently one of the most serious problems facing the world. In this study, Fe₃O₄ powder was used as electrode active material, nanocarbon was used as an additive to fabricate Fe₃O₄/C composites applying for energy storage systems. The size and morphology of iron oxide and nanocarbon were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the additive, the content of the electrode components on the electrochemical properties of the Fe₃O₄/C composite electrode have been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the content of the electrode components strongly affects the electrochemical characteristics of the electrode. The important role of the carbon additive in the Fe₃O₄/C composite electrode was confirmed: Nanocarbon increases the electrical conductivity of the electrode thereby enhancing the redox reaction rate of iron. The positive effect of the K₂S additive in electrolyte was demonstrated by increased redox reaction rate of iron, improved cyclability of Fe₃O₄, reduced hydrogen evolution, and thus increased the discharge capacity of Fe₃O₄/C.