Effect of activated Ketjen black and nano-size sulfur particles on electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur battery

Abstract

The sulfur-activated Ketjen black nanostructure (S@KB), as the cathode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery, was synthesized using the sulfur-amine chemistry technique. The nano-sized sulfur particles expedite the electrical conductivity, and strengthen the sulfur utilization. Moreover, the sulfur nanoparticles compensate for its massive volume expansion driven by the lithiation process. The activation of KB can cultivate the electrochemical properties of the cathodic composition for protracted cycling by intensifying the available surface area. The sulfur mass loading was about 1 mg cm−2. The premier specific capacity was acquired 1190.63 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, which was stabilized to 671.32 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. The accomplished characterizations substantiate the suitable incorporation of sulfur into the activated KB (AKB) structure and the splendid interaction between them. It was educed that the S@KB cathode can relieve the penetration of polysulfides toward the anode and, as a result subdue the shuttle effect. It was determined a notable reversible capacity of 1002.81 mAh g−1 after 40 cycles at varied current rates.