LAUSR

Abstract For the first time, Li2Fe3O5 micrometer sized octahedral crystals were produced using a sustainable single-pot electro-synthesis molten salt approach using commercially available Fe2O3 powder as the Fe source and LiCl as the Li source, and the crystals obtained were structurally and microstructurally characterized by various techniques. The electrolytic Li2Fe3O5 is introduced as a viable anode active material for Li-ion batteries, exhibiting a high capacity of 604 mAh g−1 after 220 cycles and an excellent rate capability. The first coulombic efficiency of the Li2Fe3O5 crystals is high at 73%. The molten salt process employed, therefore, can be considered as a simple and low cost approach for scalable and environmentally sustainable preparation of Li2Fe3O5 crystals with interesting electrochemical properties.