CNT enhanced sulfur composite cathode material for high rate lithium battery

Sulfur-based ternary composite cathode materials containing multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and investigated. Tested by coin type cells, the composite materials exhibited the sulfur utilization approaching to 95.3%, the capacity retention close to 96.5% for 100 cycles, and high power rate capability up to 7C. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs in the composites, which not only accommodates the volume change during charge/discharge processes, but also provides stable electrical and ionic transfer channels.

Research Highlights► Sulfur-based ternary composite cathode materials containing MWCNTs. ► MWCNTs enhance the sulfur utilization approaching to 95.3%. ► The capacity retention closes to 96.5 % after 100 cycles and high discharge power rate to 7C. ► MWCNTs accommodate the volume change, and provide conductive channels.