Journal article
Binder-free, freestanding cathodes fabricated with an ultra-rapid diffusion of sulfur into carbon nanofiber mat for lithium-sulfur batteries
Materials today energy, v 9, pp 336-344
01 Sep 2018
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
A rapid (5-s) sulfur deposition technique is demonstrated on electrospun carbon nanofibers to fabricate binder-free, freestanding cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. The 5-second procedure melts sulfur into carbon nanofiber mats, which play a significant role as a built-in conductive matrix to provide uninterrupted electron transport pathways throughout the electrode such that the heavy current collector is eliminated. Meanwhile, the large inter-fiber spacing facilitates electrolyte diffusion and provides sufficient space for sulfur integration during cathode fabrication and the volume expansion during lithium-sulfur redox reaction. This technique eliminates the need for slurry processing with insulating binders and toxic solvents while eliminating heavy current collectors. This ultra-rapid technique involving only 140 degrees C, 5 s, and slight pressure (<250 psi) offers a practical approach to light-weight sulfur cathodes compared to the conventional sulfur melt deposition techniques requiring high temperatures (155-300 degrees C), long times (8-10 h), and heavy components in the cell assembly. The cathodes thus obtained deliver a discharge capacity of similar to 550 mAh g(sulfur)(-1) owing to their simple construction, with 100% capacity retention at 0.5C rate over 150 cycles. This translates to similar to 250 mA h g(electrode)(-1) (based on total mass at the cathode) which is comparable to highly sophisticated electrodes when the weight of the entire electrode and current collector is considered. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Binder-free, freestanding cathodes fabricated with an ultra-rapid diffusion of sulfur into carbon nanofiber mat for lithium-sulfur batteries
- Creators
- Caitlin Dillard - Drexel UniversitySheng-Heng Chung - The University of Texas at AustinArvinder Singh - Drexel UniversityArumugam Manthiram - The University of Texas at AustinVibha Kalra - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Materials today energy, v 9, pp 336-344
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- CMMI 1537827; CBET 1236466 / National Science Foundation; National Science Foundation (NSF) F-1254 / Welch Foundation; The Welch Foundation
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000443217900030
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85048988126
- Other Identifier
- 991019167681004721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Chemistry, Physical
- Energy & Fuels
- Materials Science, Multidisciplinary