In order to identify the most suitable material for the Fe/air battery anode, two kinds of materials, Fe2O3-nanoloaded carbon and Fe2O3-nanomixed carbons, were prepared from various carbon materials. The Fe2O3-nanoloaded carbon was prepared by loading Fe2O3 on carbon by a chemical method, while the Fe2O3-nanomixed carbon was prepared by mixing Fe2O3-nanopowder and carbon. The effect of various carbons on the electrochemical properties of both materials was investigated and compared. The results indicated that the Fe2O3-nanoloaded carbon is a promising material for the air-battery anode. Among the carbons used for the Fe2O3-nanoloaded carbon, graphite, and several nanocarbons exhibited improved characteristics. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.