Monocrystalline porous iron oxide particles with tunable size for lithium-ion batteries

Monocrystalline porous iron oxide particles with tunable size have been synthesized by adjusting pH of the FeCl3 aqueous solution through a hydrothermal process. The size of the porous iron oxide α-Fe2O3 particles could be tuned from 925nm to 43nm when pH of the FeCl3 aqueous solutions increased from 1.8 to 9.3. N2 absorption investigation indicated that the α-Fe2O3 particles with size of 925nm are mesopore/macropore-dominated, while the α-Fe2O3 particles with size of 43nm are microporous. The mesopore/macropore-dominated α-Fe2O3 particles exhibit better rate capability than the microporous α-Fe2O3 particles, indicating promising candidate as anode materials for high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] ► Monocrystalline porous α-Fe2O3 particles with tunable size have been synthesized. ► pH of the aqueous solution has a strong effect on size of the α-Fe2O3 particles. ► Mesoporous α-Fe2O3 displays better electrochemical property than microporous α-Fe2O3.