Long-lasting, reinforced electrical networking in a high-loading Li2S cathode for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Realizing a lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathode with both high energy density and a long lifespan requires an innovative cathode design that maximizes electrochemical performance and resists electrode deterioration. Herein, a high-loading Li2S-based cathode with micrometric Li2S particles composed of two-dimensional graphene (Gr) and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a compact geometry is developed, and the role of CNTs in stable cycling of high-capacity Li-S batteries is emphasized. In a dimensionally combined carbon matrix, CNTs embedded within the Gr sheets create robust and sustainable electron diffusion pathways while suppressing the passivation of the active carbon surface. As a unique point, during the first charging process, the proposed cathode is fully activated through the direct conversion of Li2S into S-8 without inducing lithium polysulfide formation. The direct conversion of Li2S into S-8 in the composite cathode is ubiquitously investigated using the combined study of in situ Raman spectroscopy, in situ optical microscopy, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The composite cathode demonstrates unprecedented electrochemical properties even with a high Li2S loading of 10 mg cm(-2); in particular, the practical and safe Li-S full cell coupled with a graphite anode shows ultra-long-term cycling stability over 800 cycles.

Automated summary

Realizing a high-energy density and long-lifespan Li2S cathode requires an innovative design with a high-loading Li2S-based cathode consisting of graphene and carbon nanotubes. The role of carbon nanotubes in stable cycling of high-capacity Li-S batteries is emphasized. The composite cathode demonstrates unprecedented electrochemical properties even with a high Li2S loading, showing ultra-long-term cycling stability over 800 cycles when coupled with a graphite anode in a Li-S full cell.