Confining Sulfur within a Zeolite Host Wrapped inside Conducting Polymer Sheaths as Cathode for Li-S Battery

Abstract

We discuss here the efficient confinement of sulfur and polysulfides within a non-carbonaceous ion conducting zeolite (NaY) host wrapped inside electronically conducting polyaniline (PAni) sheaths as a low-cost, high performance cathode for rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery. The sulfur is observed to be confined within the intra crystallite and interstitial spaces of the NaY zeolite and the (PAni) sheaths prevent leakage of sulfur (and polysulfides). Additionally, this NaY-PAni assembly provides distinct pathways for electrons (through PAni) and ions (through NaY channels and across PAni sheaths) during battery operation. Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of sulfur in diradical S 8 * chain forms in the cylindrical pores of NaY and as far our knowledge is concerned, this is the very first result demonstrating the stabilization of sulfur in its metastable state only under confinement at ambient conditions. Sulfur content as high as 75% could be loaded in the NaY-PAni assembly. However, extremely stable battery performance is obtained for slightly lower S-loadings. At sulfur content of 65%, capacity of around 600 mAh g -1 is obtained at the end of 200 cycles.[a] S.

Pressure-Induced Capillary Encapsulation Protocol for Ultrahigh Loading of Sulfur and Selenium Inside Carbon Nanotubes: Application as High Performance Cathode in Li–S/Se Rechargeable Batteries

“…Li–S batteries has been widely demonstrated as a promising high energy density storage device delivering a capacity (theoretical capacity = 1672 mAh g –1 , gravimetric energy density = 2600 Wh kg –1 ) that is nearly an order higher as compared to the lithium-ion battery (387 Wh kg –1 ). The Li–S batteries offer a lot of opportunities for the integration of rechargeable batteries with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. , Additionally, the other appealing features are their low cost, high abundance, and nontoxicity. , The gravimetric capacity of selenium (theoretical capacity = 678 mAh g –1 ) is much higher as compared to any intercalation compound but lower as compared to sulfur. However, lower gravimetric capacity of selenium as compared to sulfur is overwhelmingly compensated by a comparable volumetric capacity and much higher electronic conductivity (1 × 10 –5 S cm –1 ) than sulfur (5 × 10 –30 S cm –1 ). , On the other hand, the usage of selenium for electrochemical storage has advantages over both intercalation compounds as well as sulfur.…”

“…The Li−S batteries offer a lot of opportunities for the integration of rechargeable batteries with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. 20,21 Additionally, the other appealing features are their low cost, high abundance, and nontoxicity. 22,23 The gravimetric capacity of selenium (theoretical capacity = 678 mAh g −1 ) is much higher as compared to any intercalation compound but lower as compared to sulfur.…”

Titanium-embedded nanocomposite material stimulates ion-exchange characteristics to deal with pollutants in aquatic environment

“…A peak observed at 1300 cm − 1 was attributed to stretching vibration of C-H in the benzenoid ring, and that observed at 1470 cm − 1 was attributed to C = N stretching vibration of the quinoid ring [27]. A band at 1560 cm − 1 indicates the C-C stretching vibration of the quinoid ring [28]. A sharp band at 800 cm − 1 shows the presence of p-substituted aromatic rings, indicating polymer formation.…”

Conducting Polymers Meet Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…The reported PANi‐based cathode in Li–S batteries can be also categorized into three classes according to their function, including coating layer, sulfur host materials, and cathode additives (e.g., conductive agent, binder, and precursor). [ 23,44,48,69,140–174 ] The same with the PPy‐based materials, the initial capacity, and capacity retention ratio of the PANi‐based cathode materials are also summarized in Table S2 and Figure , where most of the PANi‐based materials serving as the sulfur host exhibit the more desirable capacity and relatively higher cycling stability compared with those as the coating layer or precursor. The structural/mechanical properties and conductivity of PANi‐based cathode will influence the loading and conversion of sulfur, respectively.…”