Preparation of CoO/SnO2@NC/S composite as high-stability cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

To improve the sulfur loading capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S batteries) cathode and avoid the inevitable "shuttle effect", hollow N doped carbon coated CoO/SnO 2 (CoO/SnO 2 @NC) composite has been designed and prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination method. The specific surface area of CoO/SnO 2 @NC composite is 85.464 m 2 •g -1 , and the pore volume is 0.1189 cm 3 •g -1 . The hollow core-shell structure as a carrier has a sulfur loading amount of 66.10%. The initial specific capacity of the assembled Li-S batteries is 395.7 mAh•g -1 at 0.2 C, which maintains 302.7 mAh•g -1 after 400 cycles. When the rate increases to 2.5 C, the specific capacity still has 221.2 mAh•g -1 . The excellent lithium storage performance is attributed to the core-shell structure with high specific surface area and porosity. This structure effectively increases the sulfur loading, enhances the chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides, and reduces direct contact between CoO/SnO 2 and the electrolyte.

Editorial for special issue on advanced materials for energy storage and conversion

“…Interfacial issues in ASSLIBs include the electrochemical decomposition reaction at the electrode-electrolyte interface and the low effective contact area between the solid electrolyte and the electrode, and they have currently evoked a plethora of research. Wang et al [8] provided a systematic summarization on the research activities of solid electrolyte interface treatment based on buffer layer therapy, especially the matching degree between different buffer layers and different interface issues, and what methods may improve buffer layer performance. This review could help to advance future research and development of ASSLIBs.…”