Issue 1, 2019

Nanomat Li–S batteries based on all-fibrous cathode/separator assemblies and reinforced Li metal anodes: towards ultrahigh energy density and flexibility

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted considerable attention as a promising alternative to current state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), however, their practical use remains elusive, which becomes more serious upon application to flexible/wearable electronics. Here, we demonstrate a new class of nanomat Li–S batteries based on all-fibrous cathode–separator assemblies and conductive nonwoven-reinforced Li metal anodes as an unprecedented strategy toward ultrahigh energy density and mechanical flexibility. Sulfur cathodes, which are fibrous mixtures of sulfur-deposited multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes, are monolithically integrated with bi-layered (pristine cellulose nanofiber (CNF)–anionic CNF) paper separators, resulting in metallic foil current collector-free, all-fibrous cathode–separator assemblies. The cathode–separator assemblies, driven by their all-fibrous structure (contributing to three-dimensional bi-continuous electron/ion conduction pathways) and anionic CNFs (suppressing the shuttle effect via electrostatic repulsion), improve redox kinetics, cyclability and flexibility. Nickel-/copper-plated conductive poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwovens are physically embedded into Li foils to fabricate reinforced Li metal anodes with dimensional/electrochemical superiority. Driven by the structural uniqueness and chemical functionalities, the nanomat Li–S cells provide exceptional improvements in electrochemical performance (the (cell-based) gravimetric/volumetric energy density = 457 W h kgcell−1/565 W h Lcell−1 and the cycling performance (over 500 cycles) under 110% capacity excess of the Li metal anode) and mechanical deformability (they even can be crumpled).

Graphical abstract: Nanomat Li–S batteries based on all-fibrous cathode/separator assemblies and reinforced Li metal anodes: towards ultrahigh energy density and flexibility

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
28 Jun 2018
Accepted
14 Aug 2018
First published
14 Aug 2018

Energy Environ. Sci., 2019,12, 177-186

Nanomat Li–S batteries based on all-fibrous cathode/separator assemblies and reinforced Li metal anodes: towards ultrahigh energy density and flexibility

J. Kim, Y. Lee, S. Cho, J. Gwon, H. Cho, M. Jang, S. Lee and S. Lee, Energy Environ. Sci., 2019, 12, 177 DOI: 10.1039/C8EE01879K

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