Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles as sulfur encapsulator for high-performance lithium/sulfur batteries
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Date
2018-06
Authors
Zhao, Yan
Liu, Zhengjun
Sun, Liancheng
Zhang, Yongguang
Feng, Yuting
Wang, Xin
Kurmanbayeva, Indira
Bakenov, Zhumabay
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO@NCNT) were prepared via a sol–gel route as sulfur
encapsulator for lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries. The electrochemical properties of the S/ZnO@NCNT composite cathode were evaluated
in Li/S batteries. It delivered an initial capacity of 1032 mAh·g−1 at a charge/discharge rate of 0.2C and maintained a reversible
capacity of 665 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles. The coulombic efficiency of the cathode remains unchanged above 99%, showing
stable cycling performance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of S–Zn and S–O bonds in the
composite. This indicates that an enhanced cycling and rate capability of the S/ZnO@NCNT composite could be ascribed to advantages
of the ZnO@NCNT matrix. In the composite, the active ZnO-rich surfaces offer a high sulfur-bonding capability and the
NCNT core acts as a conductive framework providing pathways for ion and electron transport. The as-prepared S/ZnO@NCNT
composite is a promising cathode material for Li/S batteries.
Description
Keywords
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes
Citation
Yan Zhao, Zhengjun Liu, Liancheng Sun, Yongguang Zhang, Yuting Feng, Xin Wang, Indira Kurmanbayeva and Zhumabay Bakenov. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles as sulfur encapsulator for high-performance lithium/sulfur batteries. 2018. Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology