Sulphur-carbon composites for Li/S batteries

Abstract

Structural and electrochemical properties of various types of sulphur-carbon composites were reviewed to propose approaching ways for the development of lithium/sulphur battery with high energy density and good cycle performance. To improve the electrochemical properties of a sulphur cathode, carbon and polymer materials are applied to sulphur composites: multiwalled nanotube (MWNT), graphene, CMK-3 and activated carbon; and polyaniline (PANi), polyacrylonitrile and polythiophene (PTh). These can serve conducting paths and a polysulphide reservoir to enhance the electrical conductivity of the sulphur cathode and effectively prevent dissolution of polysulphides. And the composites are categorised in two parts such as mixed type sulphur composites and embedded type sulphur composites. Among the sulphur-carbon composites, the hollow carbon capsule/S composite prepared by a geometric control and an infusion method of sulphur in sulphur carbon composite electrode, demonstrated the best electrochemical properties.