MnO₂/rGO/CNTs Framework as a Sulfur Host for High-Performance Li-S Batteries.

ABSTRACT: Lithium-sulfur batteries are very promising next-generation energy storage batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the shuttle effect of lithium-sulfur batteries is one of the important bottlenecks that limits its rapid development. Herein, physical and chemical dual adsorption of lithium polysulfides are achieved by designing a novel framework structure consisting of MnO₂, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The framework-structure composite of MnO₂/rGO/CNTs is prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The framework exhibits a uniform and abundant mesoporous structure (concentrating in ~12 nm). MnO₂ is an α phase structure and the α-MnO₂ also has a significant effect on the adsorption of lithium polysulfides. The rGO and CNTs provide a good physical adsorption interaction and good electronic conductivity for the dissolved polysulfides. As a result, the MnO₂/rGO/CNTs/S cathode delivered a high initial capacity of 1201 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 C. The average capacities were 916 mAh g^-1, 736 mAh g^-1, and 547 mAh g^-1 at the current densities of 0.5 C, 1 C, and 2 C, respectively. In addition, when tested at 0.5 C, the MnO₂/rGO/CNTs/S exhibited a high initial capacity of 1010 mAh g^-1 and achieved 780 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles, with a low capacity decay rate of 0.11% per cycle. This framework-structure composite provides a simple way to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.

SUBMITTER: Dong W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7221920 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature