Sulfur-Polythiophene Composite Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

A composite of sulfur powder coated with conductive polythiophene was prepared via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of thiophene with chloroform as the solvent and iron chloride as the oxidant. There was no chemical reaction between sulfur and polythiophene, and the composite cathode showed typical Li/S cell electrochemical reactions. The initial discharge capacity of the active materials was 1168 mAh g(-1) sulfur and the remaining capacity was 819.8 mAh g-1 sulfur after 50 cycles. The conductive polythiophene functioned in the electrode as a conducting additive and as a porous adsorbent, and effectively improved dischargeability and cyclability of the lithium/sulfur battery. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3290668] All rights reserved.