Electrophoretically deposited α-Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ composite anchored on rGO with excellent cycle performance as anode for lithium ion batteries

Two nanostructured oxides, α-Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ with a particle diameters 50 nm and 21 nm, were mixed with graphene oxide (GO). Composite thin films on a stainless steel substrate were obtained by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) procedure from water suspensions: α-Fe₂O₃/GO, TiO₂/GO and α-Fe₂O₃/TiO₂/GO. Subsequently reduction of as-prepared thin films was performed. Thicknesses of acquired films were evaluated in the range of 2–6 μm. Structure and morphology were investigated as well as electrochemical properties of all samples were studied. The results revealed that α-Fe₂O₃/TiO₂/rGO (in this article denoted as FTGO) exhibited the specific discharge capacity of 790 mAh·g⁻¹ after 150 cycles at the current density 100 mA·g⁻¹. The improved electrochemical properties were obtained due to rGO uniform dispersion within inter-space of α-Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ as well as synergic effect between both metal and graphene oxides. Additionally, rGO not only has excellent electron conductivity, but also can alleviate the solid-electrolyte interphase film formation. Prepared composite exhibit excellent cycle performance, coulombic efficiency (66%) and rate capability. Therefore, FTGO ternary structure material has perspective application as lithium ion battery anode in comparison with a α-Fe₂O₃/rGO and TiO₂/rGO composites. The results showed obtained composite is a promising anode material for high energy and long cycle life lithium ion batteries.