Electrospun nanostructures for conversion type cathode (S, Se) based lithium and sodium batteries

Abstract

Sulfur and selenium based rechargeable batteries have attracted great attention due to their high gravimetric/volumetric energy densities owing to multielectron conversion reactions. Over the last few years, rationally designed nanomaterials have played a crucial role in the continuous growth of these battery systems. In this context, electrospun nanostructures are of paramount interest for the development of these rechargeable secondary batteries due to their high surface area to volume ratio and good mechanical stability. Here, a systematic and comprehensive review of the recent advances in the development of electrospun nanostructures as novel materials for next generation sulfur and selenium based lithium and sodium batteries is presented. In this review, we highlight the recent progress made in Li–S, RT Na–S, Li–S_xSe_y, RT Na–S_xSe_y, Li–Se and RT Na–Se batteries using electrospun carbon, polymers or heterostructures with tailored textural properties, compositions and surface functionalities (polysulfide trapping capability and catalytic activity) in cathodes, interlayers, separator coatings, and electrolyte membranes. The emphasis is placed on various synthesis strategies to design advanced electrospun nanostructures with tunable structural properties and the impact of these features on capacity, rate capability and long-term cycling. Moreover, we have introduced the ‘fraction of (electrochemically) active cathode (FAC)’ as a parameter to highlight the advantages of free-standing electrospun nanostructures compared to their non-electrospun or slurry-cast electrospun counterparts. Furthermore, current challenges and prospects in the use of electrospun nanostructures in each battery system are also discussed. We believe that this review will provide new opportunities in the field of advanced sulfur and selenium based rechargeable batteries using electrospun nanostructures.