Effect of Graphene on Sulfur/Polyacrylonitrile Nanocomposite Cathode in High Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

A novel sulfur/polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite has been synthesized via a simple combination of ballmilling with low temperature heat-treatment. The nanocomposite was examined as a cathode for high performance lithium/sulfur batteries. The SEM and TEM observations revealed that sulfur/polyacrylonitrile particles are incorporated into graphene networks homogenously. Charge/discharge tests and ac impedance spectroscopy have shown improved conductivity and electrochemical properties of the composite with the addition of graphene. The lithium cell with this ternary composite cathode delivered a discharge capacity of 612 mAh g(-1) in the second cycle at 0.1 C, and retained about 77% of this value over 100 cycles. Even up to 4 C rate, the lithium cell demonstrated an excellent rate capability, delivering a highly reversible discharge capacity of 360 mAh g(-1). (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society.