Sulfur-Carbon Nanocomposite Cathodes Improved by an Amphiphilic Block Copolymer for High-Rate Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

A sulfur carbon nanocomposite consisting of a commercial high-surface-area carbon (i.e., Black Pearls 2000, BET surface area >1000 m(2) g(-1)) and sulfur has been synthesized by an in situ deposition method. The nanocomposite is in the form of agglomerated nanoparticles, with the micropores within the carbon filled with sulfur and the mesopores on the carbon surface almost completely covered by sulfur. The BET surface area of the nanocomposite containing a sulfur content of 63.5 wt % is significantly reduced to only 40 m(2) g(-1). Cathodes containing the nanocomposite and Pluronic F427 block copolymer, which partially replaces the polyvinylidene fluoride binder, were prepared and evaluated in lithium cells by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. The nanocomposite cathodes with the copolymer show improved electrochemical stability and cyclability. The Pluronic copolymer helps retain a uniform nanocomposite structure within the electrodes, improving the electrochemical contact, which was manifested by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sulfur-Black Pearls nanocomposite with the Pluronic copolymer as an additive in the electrodes is promising for high-rate rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries.