Sulfur Encapsulation into Carbon Nanospheres as an Effective Technique to Limit Sulfide Dissolution and Extend the Cycle Life of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Wissam Fawaz, Zhao Wang and Ka Yuen Simon Ng ()
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Wissam Fawaz: Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Zhao Wang: Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Ka Yuen Simon Ng: Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-10

Abstract: Lithium–sulfur batteries suffer from a reduced cycle life and diminished coulombic efficiency, which is attributed to the polysulfide shuttle effect. We herein present a process for the fabrication of lithium–sulfur battery cathode material via the recrystallization of dissolved sulfur inside self-assembled carbon nanospheres synthesized through the carbonization of d-glucose. Trapping sulfur in the carbonaceous matrix lessens the rapid dissolution of polysulfides and minimizes the loss of active sulfur, thus extending the cycling stability of these batteries. The carbon–sulfur composite material was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrochemical analysis of the material and its functionality as an electrode for lithium–sulfur battery systems was evaluated in a coin cell format using impedance spectroscopy and a life cycle study. The as-prepared cathode has shown remarkable electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 781 mA/g at 0.1 C after 500 charge/discharge cycles and 83.4% capacity retention.

Keywords: lithium–sulfur; Li-S; carbon; nanospheres; nanotechnology; cathode synthesis; carbonization; d-glucose; hydrothermal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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