Topochemical synthesis of Bi2O3 microribbons derived from a bismuth oxalate precursor as high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Bismuth oxide (α-Bi₂O₃) microribbons are prepared from a precursor of Bi(C₂H₄)OH (BICH) with a ribbon shape. The as-prepared BICH is obtained through a facile hydrothermal procedure of the mixture of bismuth nitrate and oxalic acid aqueous solution. XRD, FESEM, TEM and TG-DTG are used to characterize the BICH. The obtained BICH precursor consists of a one-dimensional crystal structure, and has a width of 1 to 2 μm, a thickness of 200 to 400 nm, and a length of 5 to 20 μm. The thermal decomposition of the BICH microribbons leads to the formation of a well-defined Bi₂O₃ microribbon structure without morphology changes. Compared to commercial Bi₂O₃ powder, the as-prepared Bi₂O₃ acting as an anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) shows a higher capacity of about 1047 mA h g⁻¹ at 150 mA g⁻¹ after the 100th cycle. The good performance of the Bi₂O₃ microribbons can be attributed to better charge transfer properties, and shorter lithium-ion diffusion path. Owing to their excellent cyclability and rate performance, the Bi₂O₃ microribbons may become promising candidates for high-performance LIB applications in the future.