Electrolytic preparation of two-dimensional layered sulphur nanomaterials and their application in lithium-sulphur batteries

Abstract

Currently, two-dimensional (2D) layered materials have gained much attention for their outstanding properties. Among these materials, layered sulphur, which is an emerging 2D material, has shown great potential for various applications due to its unique chemical and physical properties. In this study, we present a new electrolytic method for synthesizing layered sulphur using thiourea as the sulphur source and poly-3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) as the stabilizer. This method is simple, fast, and has a high yield. Furthermore, a composite material was prepared containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and layered sulphur, which was used a cathode material in lithium-sulphur batteries. The prepared cathode exhibited a discharge specific capacity of 450 mAhg−1 and a reversible capacity of 46.6% after 40 cycles of reciprocation at 0.1 C cycling current. Electrode design based on layered sulphur composites provides a new idea for the structural design of lithium-sulphur battery cathodes.