Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) α-Fe2O3 was synthesized by using polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystal as templates. The character of 3DOM α-Fe2O3 was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurements. SEM images showed that the PS colloidal crystal template and the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 were arrayed periodically in face. The synthesized 3DOM α-Fe2O3 microparticles were composed of sphere or hexagonally porous morphologies interconnected through thin walls formed by nanocrystals of α-Fe2O3. The macropore diameters of the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 were about (115±10) nm and the pore wall thicknesses were between 20～30 nm. X-ray diffraction indicated that a pure α-Fe2O3 phase was produced after calcination. When the 3DOM α-Fe2O3 microparticles were used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, they exhibited extraordinarily high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1880 and 1130 mAh•g－1 respectively. After 20th cycle, their reversible capacity could be as high as 631 mAh•g－1, with a coulombic efficiency of ＞90%.

Key words: template, macroporous, α-Fe2O3, lithium ion battery, anode material