The Impact of Biomass-Derived Graphene-like Porous Carbon Decorated with NiO Nanoparticles on the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur batteries are considered a promising next-generation energy storage system, boasting high theoretical capacity and energy density, approximately double that of LiBs [1,2]. However, challenges such as low sulfur conductivity, significant volume expansion during cycling, and the lithium polysulfides shuttle effect hinder their practical use [3]. These issues result in side reactions, irreversible loss of active material, and anode degradation, leading to a rapid decline in cell capacity stability [4].In this research, we successfully developed a sulfur cathode carbon matrix and separator modifier from rice husk through carbonization and thermal activation. The resulting graphene-like porous carbon (GPC) exhibited high efficiency as a sulfur host, enhancing the electrochemical performance of the cathode. The GPC-NiO composite also served effectively as a separator modifier, catalyzing lithium polysulfides' redox reactions and improving the overall cycling stability of lithium-sulfur batteries. In particular, the GPC@S/GPC-NiO-20 cell demonstrated an excellent initial discharge capacity of 1519 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C. Also, it delivered excellent long-term cycling, maintaining a discharge capacity of 661 mAh g-1 even after 400 cycles at 1 C, with a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 97%. It exhibited a promising rate capability of 568 mAh g-1 at 2 C and retained a discharge capacity of 603 mAh g-1 over 100 cycles at 0.2 C with a sulfur loading of 4.0 mg cm-2. Acknowledgments This research is funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19677708).