Facile scalable synthesis of magnetite nanocrystals embedded in carbon matrix as superior anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

A simple and scalable process was developed for the synthesis of highly crystalline magnetite nanocrystals embedded in a carbon matrix using low cost starting materials; the resulting nanocomposite showed a very high specific capacity of 863 mA hg(-1) in the initial cycle and high capacity retention of 90% after 30 cycles.