Surface-modified PVdF-derived hierarchical mesoporous carbon matrix for high sulfur loading cathode in lithium–sulfur batteries

Jihun Kim, Dongjin Byun, Hyung Seok Kim, Wonchang Choi, Sang Ok Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries have attracted considerable interest because of their high energy density, non-toxicity, and low-cost. However, the main challenges associated with the dissolution of lithium polysulfides and low conductivity of sulfur are still required to be overcome to achieve improved cycling life and power density. Herein, we design and synthesize a hierarchical mesoporous carbon (HMC) through one-step pyrolysis of a low-cost polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) precursor with a sodium hydroxide activating agent for an efficient encapsulating host for sulfur. By impregnating sulfur into carbon via a melt-diffusion process, the HMC/sulfur composite contains a high sulfur content (∼72 wt%) inside the mesopore-dominant host. Moreover, with a multifunctional polyvinylpyrrolidone coating, the obtained composite exhibits an enhanced electrochemical performance including high specific capacity (1124 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and good cycling life with a reversible capacity of 456 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 800 mA g−1. Both the hierarchical mesoporous nature of the carbon host and the protective coating not only suppresses the polysulfide dissolution but also provides improved interfacial stability and facile charge transport pathways. This strategic combination leads to high reversible capacity, enhanced cycling reversibility, and good rate capability of the high sulfur loading cathodes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)165-173
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume427
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Jul 1

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Institutional Programs (Project No. 2E29642 ). This research was also supported by the Technology Development Program to Solve Climate Changes and Basic Science Research Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science & ICT (Grant number: 2017M1A2A2044482 , 2018R1A2B2007081 ).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Hierarchical mesoporous carbon
  • High sulfur loading
  • Lithium–sulfur batteries
  • Low-cost precursor
  • Surface modification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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