Polyhedral magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets: Facile synthesis, structural modelling, magnetic properties and application for high capacity lithium storage

Authors

Dawei Su, University of WollongongFollow
Josip Horvat, University of WollongongFollow
Paul Munroe, University Of New South Wales
HyoJun Ahn, Gyeongsang National University
Ali R. Ranjbartoreh, University of Technology, SydneyFollow
Guoxiu Wang, University of Technology, SydneyFollow

RIS ID

46734

Publication Details

Su, D., Horvat, J., Munroe, P., Ahn, H., Ranjbartoreh, A. R. & Wang, G. (2012). Polyhedral magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets: Facile synthesis, structural modelling, magnetic properties and application for high capacity lithium storage. Chemistry - A European Journal, 18 (2), 488-497.

Abstract

Polyhedral magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets were synthesised by a low temperature hydrothermal method. Atomistic simulation and calculations on surface attachment energy successfully predicted the polyhedral structure of magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission microscopy confirmed the crystal structure of magnetite, which is consistent with the theoretical modelling. The magnetic property measurements show the superspin glass state of the polyhedral nanocrystals, which could originate from the nanometer size of individual single crystals. When applied as an anode material in lithium ion cells, magnetite nanocrystals demonstrated an outstanding electrochemical performance with a high lithium storage capacity, a satisfactory cyclability, and an excellent high rate capacity.