Highly reversible Li/LiS batteries with an advanced cathode structure

• Published in: Sustainable energy & fuels Vol. 7; no. 9; pp. 274 - 279
• Main Authors: Wang, Zhong, Ye, Fangmin, Ma, Zeyun, Jiang, Yongming, Liu, Meinan
• Format: Journal Article
• Published: 02.05.2023
• ISSN: 2398-4902
• DOI: 10.1039/d3se00005b

In this work, a highly reversible Li/Li 2 S 3 cell utilizing a self-weaving, free-standing nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (NCNT) paper as an electrode is reported. The highly porous structure with a large surface area and the unique Li 2 S x binding capability of the N functional groups make it possible for NCNTs to effectively reserve the polysulfides on the cathode electrode. At the same time, a second "protection net" was constructed in this work through coating nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) on one side of a commercial Celgard polypropylene (PP) separator to further impede the diffusion of polysulfides to the counter electrode. Our designed Li/Li 2 S 3 cell can deliver a reversible discharge capacity approaching 1300 mA h g −1 at 0.2C. More interestingly, in a Li-free system using stainless steel as the counter electrode, the Li 2 S 3 cathode still delivers 150 mA h g −1 discharge capacity. All the excellent performances suggest a potential route to develop highly reversible and high specific capacity lithium sulfur batteries. A Li 2 S 3 -based cathode can contribute to a highly reversible Li 2 S 3 /Li cell and displays a potential application in a Li-free battery system.