Graphene-based materials with different morphologies and structures as interlayers for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted much attention for energy storage. However, the shuttle effect causes the poor cycling performance. In this study, we applied a carbon-based interlayer to trap polysulfide to reduce shuttle effect. The carbon-based materials including 3D reduced graphene oxide aerogel, 3D N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel, and 2D reduced graphene oxide. The materials were coated on one side of carboxylate-modified carbon fiber paper. The effect of the assemble direction of the coated materials facing in and out of the cathode were investigated. The results showed that the interlayer with 3D N-doped reduced graphene oxide aerogel exhibits superior performance and stability. In addition, the coated material placed face-to-face the cathode can improve the battery performance as compared to another direction.