In situ load of sulfur species on hollow carbon spheres as advanced electrode for superior electrochemical activity

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNS) were successfully prepared using silica as a template. After that, elemental sulfur particles were grown in situ on the surface of the hollow carbon nanospheres by a solution method to prepare HCNS/S composites. RESULTS The morphology and crystal structure of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the samples was tested by constant charge and discharge, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra using coin 2032 half batteries. The electrochemical tests indicated that the as‐prepared HCNS/S composites exhibited an initial specific capacity of 1162 mA h g−1 at the current density of 0.2 C. CONCLUSION The electrochemical impedance spectra showed that the as‐prepared HCNS/S composites displayed superior electronic conductivity during electrochemical cycles. The employment of HCNS/S composites is beneficial for the improvement of electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).