Investigation into performance enhancements of Li–S batteries via oxygen-containing functional groups on activated multi-walled carbon nanotubes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

It was demonstrated that the electrochemical performance enhancements in KOH-activated carbon materials should be mainly due to the created polar oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs, such as such as C–O, CO, –OH, and O–CO), while the role of each OFGs on the electrochemical enhancements is still unclear. In this work, KOH activation treatments were systematically conducted on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to explore the role of each OFG on the performance enhancements of Li–S batteries (LSBs). Results showed that the capacity of activated-CNT-sulfur (a-CNT-S) cathodes is 33% higher than that of the pristine CNT-S cathodes, and their rate capability and cycling stability are also enhanced. And the electrochemical analysis combining with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the formed C–O bonds are the real factor for the enhanced electrochemical performances of a-CNT-S cathodes. Furthermore, the optimal activation conditions on CNT-based cathodes for LSBs were optimized to be 10 min at 700 °C. [Display omitted] •KOH activated CNTs (a-CNTs) were used as the sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries.•FTIR tests indicated a-CNT-S cathodes’ performances are linearly dependent on the C−O bonds.•The optimal activation conditions on CNT hosts were determined (10 min, 700 °C).