A study of nanosize Fe ₃O ₄ deposited on carbon matrix

Nanosized crystalline Fe ₃O ₄ (with an average particle size of 16 nm) was successfully synthesized on a carbon matrix surface. The prepared sample was heat-treated in the temperature range 300°C-750°C to remove residual impurities and to obtain a final product with a 77:23 ratio between magnetite and the carbon support. The sample was subjected to physicochemical and electrochemical tests. The purity of the phase and the particles size was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and confirmed by field emission scanning electron micrographs. The specific surface area of the sample measured by the B.E.T method was 120 m ² g ^-1 . A series of electrochemical tests including EIS, CV and long-term constant current cycling have been performed. The obtained reversible capacity within 15 cycles was in the range 400-550 mA h·g ^-1. The electrochemical behavior of the test sample and its possible practical use as an anode material in lithium secondary batteries are discussed.