Electrochemical characters of α-Fe2O3 hexagonal platelets synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route

Fe2O3 materials with various morphologies were synthesized from iron (III) chloride (FeCl3.6H2O) by a facile hydrothermal route for Fe-air battery anodes. The crystal structure and morphology of the obtained Fe2O3 powder were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphologies, shapes and sizes of Fe2O3 particles synthesized via the hydrothermal method were controllable by the concentration of precursors. The composite electrodes were fabricated by mixing the synthesized Fe2O3 powders with nanocarbon and were then subjected to electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the shape and size of iron oxide affected the electrochemical properties of Fe2O3/carbon composite electrodes. The concentration of electrode components also significantly influenced the cyclability of Fe2O3/carbon composite electrodes