Graphene–Li2S–Carbon Nanocomposite for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) with a high theoretical specific capacity of 1166mAh g–1 is a promising cathode material for next-generation Li–S batteries with high specific energy. However, low conductivity of Li2S and polysulfide dissolution during cycling are known to limit the rate performance and cycle life of these batteries. Here, we report on the successful development and application of a nanocomposite cathode comprising graphene covered by Li2S nanoparticles and protected from undesirable interactions with electrolytes. We used a modification of our previously reported low cost, scalable, and high-throughput solution-based method to deposit Li2S on graphene. A dropwise infiltration allowed us to keep the size of the heterogeneously nucleated Li2S particles smaller and more uniform than what we previously achieved. This, in turn, increased capacity utilization and contributed to improved rate performance and stability. The use of a highly conductive graphene backbone further increased cell rate performance. A synergetic combination of a protective layer vapor-deposited on the material during synthesis and in situ formed protective surface layer allowed us to retain ∼97% of the initial capacity of ∼1040 mAh gs –1 at C/2 after over 700 cycles in the assembled cells. The achieved combination of high rate performance and ultrahigh stability is very promising.