Advanced hollow carbon nanocubes as hosts for sulfur particles in improved lithium-sulfur battery cathode material with high cycling stability

摘要

To enhance the cycle stability of sulfur cathode for a high energy Li-S battery system, a novel sulfur@carbon nanocube (S@CNC) composite was prepared by encapsulating sulfur into micropores of CNCs by thermal treatment of a mixture of sublimed sulfur and CNCs. Electrochemical results demonstrated that encapsulating sulfur into individual insulated CNCs could effectively inhibit the aggregation of sulfur, eliminate excessive contact of sulfur species with the electrolyte and help confine the soluble lithium polysulfides. Additionally, the large surface area and thin shells of CNC hosts could facilitate rapid transport of Li+ ions and electrons to achieve superior rate capability and stable cycling performance. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.