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Tailoring Commercially Available Raw Materials for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Superior Performance and Enhanced Shelf Life
Author(s) -
Thieme Sören,
Oschatz Martin,
Nickel Winfried,
Brückner Jan,
Kaspar Jörg,
Althues Holger,
Kaskel Stefan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
energy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2194-4296
pISSN - 2194-4288
DOI - 10.1002/ente.201500140
Subject(s) - polysulfide , sulfur , carbon black , materials science , chemical engineering , porosity , lithium–sulfur battery , economies of agglomeration , macropore , cathode , ethylene oxide , mesoporous material , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis , metallurgy , electrolyte , electrode , copolymer , engineering , natural rubber , polymer
Physical activation with CO 2 is used to modify the micro‐, meso‐, and macropore system of commercial, highly branched carbon black (CB) particles. Due to the increased total porosity and high surface area of 1747 m 2 g −1 the completeness of sulfur infiltration in intra‐particle pores of CB is promoted. This is found to not only minimize sulfur agglomeration on the particle surface but also reduce self‐discharge, that is, polysulfide leakage. Wrapping the CB/sulfur composite with a poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) film further triggers a synergy allowing for faster sulfur conversion with increased reversibility. Thus, an initial capacity of 1238 mAh g −1 S at C /10 and a stable capacity of 1015 mAh g −1 S after 50 cycles were obtained, combined with a superior rate capability up to 2 C (≈7.5 mA cm −2 ) and extremely slow self‐discharge over 100 days (open‐circuit voltage>2.30 V).