Porous carbon-sulfur composite cathode for lithium/sulfur cells

A unique porous carbon was prepared using a polymer mixture of polyacrylonitrile and poly(methylmethacrylate). Sulfur was incorporated into this porous carbon via a new simple solution chemical deposition method. This novel porous carbon–sulfur composite showed high reversible capacity, good capacity retention and good rate capability when used as the cathode in rechargeable Li/S cells. The electrochemical results show that porous carbon–sulfur composite with 53.7 wt.% S maintains a stable discharge capacity of more than 740 mA h g− 1-sulfur after 100 cycles.

► A novel unique nanoporous carbon was prepared using a mixed polymer precursor.
► New simple solution preparation of nanoporous carbon–sulfur composites.
► Improved Li/S cell cycling stability and rate performance.