Facile synthesis of three-dimensional MgFe2O4/graphene aerogel composites for high lithium storage performance and its application in full cell

Abstract

MgFe2O4/graphene aerogel (MFO/GA) composites were designed and fabricated through a combined electrospinning technique and hydrothermal-induced self-assembly strategy, in which the MFO nanofibers with high crystallinity were wrapped homogeneously and tightly. The as-synthesized MFO/GA composites formed a three-dimensional (3D) conductive network structure with large surface area, high porosity, and high conductivity, which are favorable to accommodate the volume changes of MFO during the repeated lithiation-delithiation processes, shorten the diffusion path, and promote the ions/electrons transfer. As anode material for half-cell, a high reversible capacity of ~1104 mAh g−1 is obtained after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Even at 1 A g−1, the MFO/GA delivers a stable capacity of ~686 mAh g−1 over 500 cycles, exhibiting superior rate performance. When assembled with commercial LiCoO2 cathode to build a full cell system, the MFO/GA anode also can show a reversible capacity of ~714 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance of MFO/GA in both half and full cells indicates its potential application in practical lithium-ion batteries in the future. Keywords: Magnesium ferrite, Graphene aerogel, Anode, Lithium storage, Full cell