title: Synthesis of core/shell spinel  ferrite/carbon nanoparticles with  enhanced cycling stability for lithium ion  battery anodes.
abstract: Monodispersed core/shell spinel ferrite/carbon nanoparticles are formed by thermolysis of metal (Fe3+, Co2+) oleates followed by carbon coating. The phase and morphology of nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Pure Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles are initially prepared through thermal decomposition of metal–oleate precursors at 310 degrees C and they are found to exhibit poor electrochemical performance because of the easy aggregation of nanoparticles and the resulting increase in the interparticle contact resistance. In contrast, uniform carbon coating of Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles by low-temperature (180 degrees C) decomposition of malic acid allowed each nanoparticle to be electrically wired to a current collector through a conducting percolative path. Core/shell Fe3O4/C and CoFe2O4/C nanocomposite electrodes show a high specific capacity that can exceed 700 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles, along with enhanced cycling stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ajou University, San 5, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749, Korea.
authors.forename: Yun-Ho
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Seung-Deok
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: Hyun-Woo
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: Kyung-Soo
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Dong-Wan
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Kim