Polyhedral Fe2O3 materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method. Their structure, size, and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical characteristics of Fe2O3 electrodes were studied via cyclic voltammetry measurement. The effects of the additives on the electrochemical properties of the electrode were also studied. The results show that the synthesized polyhedral Fe2O3 presented the clear redox peaks. Combined with electrode additive nanocarbon and electrolyte additive K2S, the Fe2O3/C composite electrodes gave higher redox current, larger redox peaks. This demonstrates the important role of additives such as nanocarbon increased the electrical conductivity and the active surface area of the electrode, while K2S enhanced the redox reaction rate of iron, improved the cycleability of iron oxide, and thus increased the discharge capacity of Fe2O3/C electrodes. Polyhedral Fe2O3 synthesized via hydrothermal route has a potential applying as negative electrode in rechargeable batteries.
