Conductive nanofabrics as multifunctional interlayer of sulfur-loading cathode towards durable lithium-sulfur batteries

• Published in: Chinese chemical letters 2024-12, p.110712, Article 110712
• Main Authors: Chen, Min, Li, Xinxin, Cai, Weijie, Han, Xinxin, Zhou, Chuancong, Zheng, Ke, Duan, Ruomeng, Zhao, Yanfei, Shao, Mengmeng, Wang, Wenlong, Zheng, Kaihong, Feng, Bo, Shi, Xiaodong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conductive nanofabrics interlayer; Gelatin/polypyrrole composite; Lithium polysulfides; Lithium-sulfur batteries; Shuttle effect
• ISSN: 1001-8417
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110712

Active sulfur dissolution and shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) are the main obstacles hindering the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), which is primarily induced by the direct interaction between sulfur-loading cathode and liquid electrolyte. The introduction of functional interlayer within the separator and cathode is an effective strategy to stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface reaction and improve the utilization rate of active sulfur. Herein, conductive composite nanofabrics (CCN) with multifunctional groups are employed as the interlayer of sulfur-loading cathode, in which the PMIA/PAN supporting fibers offer robust mechanical strength and high thermostable performance, and gelatin/polypyrrole functional fibers ensure high electrical conductivity and strong chemical interaction for LiPSs. As demonstrated by the experimental data and material characterizations, the presence of CCN interlayer not only blocks the shuttle behavior of LiPSs, but also strengthens the interface stability of both Li anode and sulfur-loading cathode. Interestingly, the assembled LSBs with CCN interlayer can maintain stable capacity of 686 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 0.5 A/g. This work will provide new ideas for the elaborate design of functional interlayers/separators for LSBs and lithium metal batteries. [Display omitted] Conductive composite nanofabrics (CCN) with multifunctional groups are employed as the interlayer of sulfur-loading cathode, in which the PMIA/PAN supporting fibers offer robust mechanical strength and high thermostable performance, and gelatin/polypyrrole functional fibers ensure high electrical conductivity and strong chemical interaction for lithium polysulfides (LiPSs).