Binder-free, freestanding cathodes fabricated with an ultra-rapid diffusion of sulfur into carbon nanofiber mat for lithiumsulfur batteries

By Dillard, Caitlin; Chung, Sheng-Heng; Singh, Arvinder; Manthiram, Arumugam; Kalra, Vibha
Published in Materials Today Energy 2018

Abstract

A rapid (5-s) sulfur deposition technique is demonstrated on electrospun carbon nanofibers to fabricate binder-free, freestanding cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. The 5-second procedure melts sulfur into carbon nanofiber mats, which play a significant role as a built-in conductive matrix to provide uninterrupted electron transport pathways throughout the electrode such that the heavy current collector is eliminated. Meanwhile, the large inter-fiber spacing facilitates electrolyte diffusion and provides sufficient space for sulfur integration during cathode fabrication and the volume expansion during lithium-sulfur redox reaction. This technique eliminates the need for slurry processing with insulating binders and toxic solvents while eliminating heavy current collectors. This ultra-rapid technique involving only 140

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