Efficient Interface Enabled by Nano-Hydroxyapatite@Porous Carbon for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

The dissolution and “shuttle effect” of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) hinder the application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. To solve those problems, inspired by natural materials, a nano-hydroxyapatite@porous carbon derived from chicken cartilage (nano-HA@CCPC) was fabricated by employing a simple pre-carbonization and carbonization method, and applied in Li-S batteries. The nano-HA@CCPC would provide a reactive interface that allows efficient LiPSs reduction. With a strong affinity for LiPSs and an excellent electronic conductive path for converting LiPSs, the shuttle effect of LiPSs was confined and the redox kinetics of LiPSs was substantially enhanced. Li-S batteries employing nano-HA@CCPC-modified separators exhibited long cycle life and improved rate capability. At 0.5 C after 325 cycles, a specific capacity of 815 mAh·g^-1 and a low capacity fading rate of 0.051% were obtained. The superior properties, sustainable raw materials, and facile preparation process make nano-HA@CCPC a promising additive material for practical Li-S batteries.

Keywords

conductive carbon framework / nano-hydroxyapatite / reactive interface / modified separator / redox reaction kinetics / lithium-sulfur batteries

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