Recessed deposition of TiN into N-doped carbon as a cathode host for superior Li-S batteries performance. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xing, Zhenyu; Li, Gaoran; Sy, Serubbabel; Chen, Zhongwei
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 54(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Lithium sulfur batteries -- Polysulfide adsorption -- High mass loading -- Recessed deposition of TiN -- N-doped porous carbon; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2018.09.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, we put forward a novel cathode host for Li-S batteries by loading titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles into the pores of N-doped carbon as a proof-of-concept. The selection of TiN arises from its strong binding ability with polysulfide and its exceptionally high conductivity of 5 × 10 6 S/m. As for N-doped porous carbon, it provides necessary physical adsorption and extra chemical adsorption sites from the N-doping. Besides the above advantages, the most substantial merit endowed to this structure is the pore-loaded TiN design. The carbon pore size confines the TiN precursors to the nanoscale and prevents otherwise subsequent agglomeration of TiN nanoparticles. Moreover, the pore-loaded TiN design, with fully exposed adsorptive surface and highly dispersed adsorptive sites, guards against the blocking of future sulfur infiltration and Li + diffusion. The advantages of the TiN loaded N-doped carbon are finally confirmed by electrochemical evaluations. The capacity is found up to be 1338 mAh/g at a current density of 0.2 C and 690 mAh/g at a current density of 5 C (where 1 C = 1672 mAh/g). For durability evaluations, the capacity is maintained at 700 mAh/g after 800 cycles with a mere decay of 0.04% per cycle. Lastly, the feasibility of a high mass loading with 7 mg/cm 2 is demonstrated. Graphical abstract: Highlights: First recessed deposition of TiN into N-doped carbon as Li-S battery cathode host. High conductivity and advanced chemical/physical polysulfide adsorption ability. Stable long cycling performance after 800 cycles and high mass loading up to 7 mg/cm 2 .