Long-lasting,reinforced electrical networking in a high-loading Li_(2)S cathode for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Realizing a lithium sulfide(Li_(2)S)cathode with both high energy density and a long lifespan requires an innovative cathode design that maximizes electrochemical performance and resists electrode deterioration.Herein,a high-loading Li_(2)S-based cathode with micrometric Li_(2)S particles composed of two-dimensional graphene(Gr)and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes(CNTs)in a compact geometry is developed,and the role of CNTs in stable cycling of high-capacity Li–S batteries is emphasized.In a dimensionally combined carbon matrix,CNTs embedded within the Gr sheets create robust and sustainable electron diffusion pathways while suppressing the passivation of the active carbon surface.As a unique point,during the first charging process,the proposed cathode is fully activated through the direct conversion of Li_(2)S into S_(8) without inducing lithium polysulfide formation.The direct conversion of Li_(2)S into S_(8) in the composite cathode is ubiquitously investigated using the combined study of in situ Raman spectroscopy,in situ optical microscopy,and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.The composite cathode demonstrates unprecedented electrochemical properties even with a high Li_(2)S loading of 10 mg cm^(–2);in particular,the practical and safe Li–S full cell coupled with a graphite anode shows ultra-long-term cycling stability over 800 cycles.