Issue 11, 2023

SnO2/h-BN nanocomposite modified separator as a high-efficiency polysulfide trap in lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries are one of the most promising alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries because of their exceptionally high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the weak electrical conductivity of sulfur and capacity deterioration brought on by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) limit the practical applications of Li–S batteries. Herein, we propose an efficient approach of using a two-dimensional material (h-BN) composite with SnO2 in the separator to inhibit the mass transport of polysulfides from the cathode and subsequent parasitic reactions on the metallic lithium anode. The optimum concentration of 10 wt% h-BN was found to be sufficient to form SnO2/h-BN with improved electrochemical behavior and induce a rapid conversion of trapped polysulfides. As a result, Li–S batteries with a separator modified with SnO2/10% h-BN showed an improved specific capacity of 620 mA h g−1 at 1C, which was maintained at 485 mA h g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 99% after 350 cycles. Furthermore, self-discharge studies suggest the feasibility of a modified separator for commercial applications.

Graphical abstract: SnO2/h-BN nanocomposite modified separator as a high-efficiency polysulfide trap in lithium–sulfur batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Jun 2023
Accepted
22 Sep 2023
First published
22 Sep 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Energy Adv., 2023,2, 1926-1934

SnO2/h-BN nanocomposite modified separator as a high-efficiency polysulfide trap in lithium–sulfur batteries

C. S. Bongu, Y. Mussa, S. Aleid, M. Arsalan and E. H. Alsharaeh, Energy Adv., 2023, 2, 1926 DOI: 10.1039/D3YA00260H

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