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In Situ Synthesis of Li 2 S‐Loaded amphiphilic Porous Carbon and Modification of the Li 2 S Electrode for Long‐Life Li 2 S Batteries
Author(s) -
Wang Can,
Cai Wenlong,
Li Gaoran,
Liu Binhong,
Li Zhoupeng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201700914
Subject(s) - polysulfide , electrode , materials science , chemical engineering , amphiphile , wetting , carbon fibers , oxide , electrochemistry , mesoporous material , battery (electricity) , chemistry , organic chemistry , polymer , catalysis , composite material , electrolyte , copolymer , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , engineering , metallurgy
A strategy to construct amphiphilic inner surfaces with hydrophilic N, S−O and C−S−C sites in porous carbon is presented for applications in Li 2 S batteries. The amphiphilic porous carbon (APC) with high wettability, specific surface area, and polysulfide (PS) absorption ability is obtained through the pyrolysis of a glucose−thiourea resin with a nano‐CaCO 3 template. Furthermore, a Li 2 S‐loaded APC is developed in which Li 2 SO 4 is employed instead of CaCO 3 . Li 2 SO 4 is not only a reactant for Li 2 S production, but also functions as a template to form mesopores. Sulfur blending in the Li 2 S electrode successfully improves the electrode activation. The initial capacity decay is suppressed significantly after the Li 2 S electrode is modified with a protective layer composed of polyethylene oxide and polybenzimidazole. The first discharge capacity reaches 1082 mAh g −1 Li 2 S (equivalent to 1554 mAh g −1 S). The resultant Li 2 S battery exhibits excellent cyclability. A discharge capacity as high as 565 mAh g −1 is retained after 300 cycles at a discharge rate of 0.5 C. A rate capacity of 376 mAh g −1 is achieved at 5 C.