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Cathode Framework of Nanostructured Titanium Nitride/Graphene for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Author(s) -
Zeng Wenduo,
Cheng Mark MingCheng,
Ng K. Y. Simon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201900364
Subject(s) - materials science , graphene , tin , graphene foam , chemical engineering , titanium nitride , lithium (medication) , anode , composite number , nitride , nanotechnology , nanoparticle , cathode , electrode , composite material , graphene oxide paper , metallurgy , layer (electronics) , chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , engineering
Nanostructured titanium nitride (TiN) and graphene composite electrodes have been fabricated through a facile method, combining ultrasonication with melt‐diffusion of elemental sulfur. Nanostructured TiN particles and tube arrays mechanically mixed with graphene substrate leads to the formation of a porous, stabilized composite structure with enhanced electrical conductivity. Such a framework may facilitate accessibility of electrolyte and fast transfer of charges. The specific capacities of the Li−S batteries with TiN nanotubes/graphene and TiN nanoparticles/graphene composites are 1229 and 1085 mAh g −1 , respectively, after 180 cycles under a 0.1 C rate, which are significantly better than pure TiN nanostructures. The specific capacity and capacity retention were investigated as a function of the TiN nanotube to graphene ratio. The optimal ratio was found to be 1 : 1 TiN/graphene, with the highest capacity retention of 87.5 % after 180 cycles. This 3D hybrid structure may provide a balance of high specific capacity and electrochemical stability, allowing durable and efficient energy storage and conversion over a long cycle life.