Mesoporous 3D titanium dioxide embed carbon nanofibers with superior polysulfide adsorption ability for high electrochemical performance Li-S batteries

Abstract

The rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries are promising candidate for the energy storage applications due to their low cost and high energy density. However, the lithium-sulfur batteries show poor electrochemical performance, caused by the polysulfide dissolution and low electrical conductivities of the sulfur cathode. Herein, we develop a new strategy to solving these two issues by designing titanium dioxide embed carbon nanofibers/S (CNFs@TO/S) hybrid composites. In this unique hybrid structure, the mesoporous 3D carbon nanofibers could provide fast electron conduction paths and structural stability. The titanium dioxide could act as polysulfide absorber via chemical bond between TiO2 and polysulfide. Owing to these synthetic effect, the as-prepared CNFs@TO/S cathodes exhibit advanced electrochemical performances.