A simple, robust and fast method for embedding sulfur nanoparticles in Ti3C2Tx MXene as stable lithium-sulfur batteries cathodes

Abstract

Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx MXene) are a promising hosts for the sulfur cathode because of their unique architecture. Simple embedment of uniform sulfur nanoparticles in Ti3C2Tx MXene is crucial for practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, we report a robust and fast method for encapsulating sulfur nanoparticles in three-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene framework. A simple binary solvent containing CS2 and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (7:3 v/v) is used to dissolving sulfur, in which the low interfacial energy between sulfur solution and Ti3C2Tx MXene drives uniform embedment of sulfur nanoparticles in Ti3C2Tx MXene. SEM and TEM results prove that this mixed solution effectively improves the encapsulation of sulfur nanoparticles. As a result, the S/MXene-CS2/IPA composite demonstrates significantly improved electrochemical performances, including a high initial capacity (1474.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) and an extended cycle stability (522.7 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 1000 cycles). Overall the present work provides a robust and simple strategy to constructing advanced LSBs cathodes.