Enhanced electrochemical performance via using interconnected TiO2 nanofibers to inhibit the shuttle effect

Abstract

Although lithium-sulfur batteries are considered as promising energy storage systems due to their high capacity and energy density, the poor electronic conductivity of sulfur and severe polysulfide migration still hinder the applications of the lithium-sulfur batteries. In this work, 3D interconnected TiO2 nanofibers (TONFs) are prepared and used as sulfur host materials for lithium-sulfur batteries. The interconnected nanofiber structure could provide sufficient channels for the transport of electronics and lithium-ions, demonstrating superior lithium-ion and electronic conductivity. In addition, the presence of metal oxide TiO2 could provide strong chemical adsorption ability for the soluble polysulfide. As a result, the polysulfide migration is greatly inhibited. Therefore, the as-prepared TONFs/S composites display initial high specific capacity and stable cycle performance.