Micro- and mesoporous carbide-derived carbon prepared by a sacrificial template method in high performance lithium sulfur battery cathodes

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Contributors

Abstract

Polymer-based carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) with combined micro- and mesopores are prepared by an advantageous sacrificial templating approach using poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) spheres as the pore forming material. Resulting CDCs reveal uniform pore size and pore shape with a specific surface area of 2434 m2 g-1 and a total pore volume as high as 2.64 cm3 g-1. The bimodal CDC material is a highly attractive host structure for the active material in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery cathodes. It facilitates the utilization of high molarity electrolytes and therefore the cells exhibit good rate performance and stability. The cathodes in the 5 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) electrolyte show the highest discharge capacities (up to 1404 mA h gs-1) and capacity retention (72% after 50 cycles at C/5). The unique network structure of the carbon host enables uniform distribution of sulfur through the conductive media and at the same time it facilitates rapid access for the electrolyte to the active material.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)17649-17654
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability
Volume2
Issue number41
Publication statusPublished - 7 Nov 2014
Peer-reviewedYes