Low surface area graphene/cellulose composite as a host matrix for lithium sulphur batteries

Graphene/cellulose composites were prepared and studied as potential host matrixes for sulphur impregnation and use in Li-S batteries. We demonstrate that with the proper design of a relatively low surface area graphene/cellulose composite, a high electrochemical performance along with good cyclabil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of power sources 2014-05, Vol.254, p.55-61
Main Authors: Patel, Manu U.M., Luong, Nguyen Dang, Seppälä, Jukka, Tchernychova, Elena, Dominko, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Cellulose
Composite
Coulombic efficiency
Cycling stability
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Electric batteries
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells
Exact sciences and technology
Graphene
Li-S battery
Lithium sulfur batteries
Materials
Polysulphides
Surface area
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Summary:Graphene/cellulose composites were prepared and studied as potential host matrixes for sulphur impregnation and use in Li-S batteries. We demonstrate that with the proper design of a relatively low surface area graphene/cellulose composite, a high electrochemical performance along with good cyclability can be achieved. Graphene cellulose composites are built from two constituents: a two-dimensional electronic conductive graphene and cellulose fibres as a structural frame; together they form a laminar type of pore. The graphene sheets that uniformly anchor sulphur molecules provide confinement ability for polysulphides, sufficient space to accommodate sulphur volumetric expansion, a large contact area with the sulphur and a short transport pathway for both electrons and lithium ions. Nano-cellulose prevents the opening of graphene sheets due to the volume expansion caused by dissolved polysulphides during battery operation. This, in turn, prevents the diffusion of lithium polysulphides into the electrolyte, enabling a long cycle life. •Low surface area graphene/cellulose composite as a host matrix for Li-S batteries.•Graphene serves as electron conductive additive and cellulose as a spacer.•Cellulose–graphene ratio 1:1 showed the best electrochemical performance.•Composite enables accommodation of expansion due to formation of Li2S.
ISSN:0378-7753
1873-2755
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.12.081