Abstract
Lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) will become the next generation energy storage device if its severe shuttle effect and sluggish redox kinetics can be effectively addressed. Here, a unique three-dimensional hollow reduced graphene oxide microsphere decorated with ZnO nanoparticles (3D-ZnO/rGO) is synthesized to decrease the dissolution of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) into the electrolyte. The chemical adsorption of ZnO on LiPS is combined with the physical adsorption of 3D-rGO microsphere to synergistically suppress the shuttle effect. The obtained 3D-ZnO/rGO can provide sufficient space for sulfur storage, and effectively alleviate the repeated volume changes of sulfur during the cycle. When the prepared S-3D-ZnO/rGO was used as the cathode in LSB, an initial discharge specific capacity of 1277 mAh g−1 was achieved at 0.1 C. After 100 cycles, 949 mAh g−1 can still be maintained. Even at 1 C, a reversible discharge specific capacity of 726 mAh g−1 was delivered.
Highlights
Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is the most widely used rechargeable battery, with many advantages: high energy density, long service life and low cost [1,2,3]
A unique three-dimensional hollow reduced graphene oxide microsphere decorated with ZnO nanoparticles (3D-ZnO/rGO) is synthesized by the sol-gel method, following spray drying and calcination
Pure ZnO is prepared by the sol-gel method
Summary
Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is the most widely used rechargeable battery, with many advantages: high energy density, long service life and low cost [1,2,3]. After development for more than 20 years, the specific capacity of the commercial cathode material is close to its theoretical value, which still cannot meet the growing energy need. The search for a new rechargeable battery with high energy density has become urgent [4,5]. Elemental sulfur has a high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh g−1, indicating its great potential as energy storage material. The low working voltage of LSB (~2.2 V) can adapt to the commercial need. LSB is regarded as the most potential substitute for commercial LIB, but the performance of LSB is still difficult to reach the current level of commercial LIB, for these reasons: (1) the low conductivity of elemental sulfur and its discharge products (Li2S2 and Li2S). (2) The dissolution of the reaction intermediate (Li2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) into the electrolyte. (3) The repeated volume changes of elemental sulfur during the cycling process [12,13,14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
