Microwave assisted synthesis of iron fluoride/three dimensional graphene nanostructure composites for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

[Display omitted] •FeF3·0.33H2O/3DGN composites are synthesized by an in-situ microwave assisted method.•3DGN plays an important role in the morphology of the composites.•The amount of 3DGN influences the electrochemical performance of the composites. Three dimensional graphene nanostructure (3DGN) was used as a substrate to improve the electrochemical performance of FeF3·0.33H2O. FeF3·0.33H2O/3DGN composites were synthesized by an in-situ microwave assisted method. The amount of 3DGN plays an important role in the morphology and electrochemical performance of the composites. The composite presents high reversible capacities and good cycling stability when tested as the cathode materials of lithium ion batteries. It is able to give a reversible capacity of 199.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 100 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of FeF3·0.33H2O nanoparticles and 3DGN.