Sulfur in hierarchically pore-structured carbon pillars as cathode material for lithium–sulfur batteries

Hierarchically pore-structured carbon (HPC) pillars with a high surface area and large pore volume are obtained by pyrolyzing Al-based porous coordination polymers (Al-PCP) and used as a matrix of the sulfur for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The structure and electrochemical performance of the sulfur-impregnated HPC are characterized. The improved performance of the composite is ascribed to the unique porous structure of the HPC matrix and its strong interaction with sulfur.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hierarchically pore-structured carbon pillars (HPC) is prepared by directly pyrolyzing Al-based porous coordination polymers (Al-PCP). ► Evidences for the location of sulfur in the HPC and the interaction between S and C are provided. ► This HPC/S composite shows good electrochemical performances as cathode of lithium–sulfur batteries.