Carbonized non-woven fabric films as adsorbing interlayers to enhance electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with an effective adsorbing interlayer, high capacity and long cycle life have been fabricated using a simple method by placing an interlayer between the sulfur cathode and the separator. The interlayer with optimized porosity, electrolyte uptake and electrical conductivity can facilitate the use of pure sulfur (with a sulfur content of 70%) as a highly reversible cathode, which was made of carbonized non-woven fabrics (Mind Act Upon Mind™ Skincare Wipes) modified with Ketjenblack. A high capacity of 1486 mA h g⁻¹ at a rate of 0.1C (1C = 1675 mA g⁻¹) in the first cycle was obtained, and the reversible capacity remains high, up to 858 mA h g⁻¹, even after 100 cycles.