General Approach to Single and Hybrid Metal Oxide Fiber Structures for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Owing to the high specific capacity and energy density, metal oxides have become very promising electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor electrical conductivity accompanied with inferior cycling stability resulting from large volume changes are the main obstacles to achieve a high reversible capacity and stable cyclability. Herein, a facile and general approach to fabricate SnO2 , Fe2 O3 and Fe2 O3 /SnO2 fibers is proposed. The appealing structural features are favorable for offering a shortened lithium-ion diffusion length, easy access for the electrolyte and reduced volume variation when used as anodes in LIBs. As a consequence, both single and hybrid oxides show satisfactory reversible capacities (1206 mAh g-1 for Fe2 O3 and 1481 mAh g-1 for Fe2 O3 /SnO2 after 200 cycles at 200 mA g-1 ) and long lifespans.