Graphene-Modified Electrodeposited Dendritic Porous Tin Structures as Binder Free Anode for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries. (20th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hari Mohan, E.; Sarada, B.V.; Venkata Ram Naidu, R.; Salian, Girish; Haridas, Anulekha K.; Appa Rao, B.V.; Rao, Tata N.
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 219(2016)
• Page Start: 701
• Page End: 710
• Publication Date: 2016-11-20
• Subjects: Co-electrodeposition -- Sn/G composite -- Sandwich-type electrode -- Sulfur/carbon composite -- Lithium-Sulfur battery; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.10.042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Use of carbon paper as substrate for both anode and cathode materials. Electrodeposition and Co-electrodeposition of pristine Sn and Sn/G composite. Formation of sandwich type architecture of 3D porous pristine Sn and Sn/G composite. An improved electrochemical performance of Sn/G/RGO anode and sulfur/carbon cathode. Demonstration of a simple and low cost Li-S battery in full-cell configuration Abstract: In this paper, we report a novel Sn/G/RGO-S battery with high capacity and good cycle life in comparison to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Low cost electroplating and drop cast method are developed for the first time to prepare binder free highly porous 3D Sn/G/RGO composite on carbon paper substrate as anode. The unique 3D porous network of Sn/G composite allows better accommodation of volume expansion induced by Li insertion, while presence of graphene in the co-electrodeposited Sn/G composite provides enhanced electron conduction. Additional coating of RGO on the surface of co-electrodeposited Sn/G composite protects the electrode surface from the direct electrolyte contact, and minimizes the progressive SEI formation during repeated charge-discharge cycles. Consequently, Sn/G/RGO electrode in half-cell exhibits a much superior electrochemical performance and better cycle life. We also demonstrate a full-cell by using S/C as cathode and Sn/G/RGO composite with a very thin lithium foil on the surface as anode in order to avoid serious safety issues allied with lithium metal. Sn/G/RGO-S full cell delivers a high discharge capacity of 413 mAh g −1 at the end of 40 cycles. The cell delivers a specific energy of about 660 Wh kg −1 based on the weight of sulfur and 336 wh kg −1 based on the total mass of the S/C electrode. The simple designed and cost effective technique to fabricate high performance Sn/G/RGO-S battery would be feasible for alternative clean energy sources.