SULFUR-CARBON COMPOSITE CATHODES FOR RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME

摘要

This disclosure relates to a method of synthesizing a sulfur-carbon composite comprising forming an aqueous solution of a sulfur-based ion and carbon source, adding an acid to the aqueous solution such that the sulfur-based ion nucleates as sulfur upon the surface of the carbon source; and forming an electrically conductive network from the carbon source. The sulfur-carbon composite includes the electrically conductive network with nucleated sulfur. It also relates to a sulfur-carbon composite comprising a carbon-based material, configured such that the carbon-based material creates an electrically conductive network and a plurality of sulfur granules in electrical communication with the electrically conductive network, and configured such that the sulfur granules are reversibly reactive with alkali metal. It further relates to batteries comprising a cathode comprising such a carbon-based material along with an anode and an electrolyte.