3D Porous Carbon Sheets with Multidirectional Ion Pathways for Fast and Durable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

• Published in: Advanced energy materials 2018-03, Vol.8 (8), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Li, Gaoran, Lei, Wen, Luo, Dan, Deng, Ya‐Ping, Wang, Deli, Chen, Zhongwei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Batteries; Electrochemistry; Energy storage; Lithium; lithium sulfur batteries; multidirectional ion pathways; Porosity; porous carbon sheets; reaction kinetics; Sheets; Structural design; Sulfur
• ISSN: 1614-6832; 1614-6840
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201702381

In this work, unique porous carbon sheets (PCSs) are developed via a facile synthesis. The obtained PCS delivers long‐range conductive framework, abundant active interfaces, rich element doping, and notably a high inner porosity that builds up an admirable 3D network for multidirectional ion transfer. Such unique architecture and surface chemistry enable ultrafast sulfur electrochemistry as well as high‐efficiency inhibition on polysulfide shuttling via the dually physical and chemical sulfur confinement. The PCS‐based sulfur electrodes achieve superb rate capability up to 10 C, outstanding cyclability over 1000 cycles, and high areal capacity of 4.8 mA h cm−2. This work offers an appealing model of material engineering for fast and reliable lithium–sulfur batteries, as well as guidance for rational structural design in extended energy storage and conversion systems. A unique porous carbon sheet (PCS) material is developed through a facile synthesis by using phosphorus pentoxide as a single template. When employed as advanced sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries, the as‐developed PCS delivers multidirectional inner ion pathways and dually physical and chemical sulfur confinements, thus enabling admirably fast sulfur electrochemistry and excellent battery durability.