Porous Coconut Shell Carbon Offering High Retention and Deep Lithiation of Sulfur for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Retaining soluble polysulfides in the sulfur cathodes and allowing for deep redox are essential to develop high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. The versatile textures and physicochemical characteristics of abundant biomass offer a great opportunity to prepare biochar materials that can enhance the performance of Li–S batteries in sustainable mode. Here, we exploit micro-/mesoporous coconut shell carbon (CSC) with high specific surface areas as a sulfur host for Li–S batteries. The sulfur-infiltrated CSC materials show superior discharge–charge capacity, cycling stability, and high rate capability. High discharge capacities of 1599 and 1500 mA h g^–1 were achieved at current rates of 0.5 and 2.0 C, respectively. A high reversible capacity of 517 mA h g^–1 was retained at 2.0 C even after 400 cycles. The results demonstrate a high retention and a deep lithiation of the CSC-confined sulfur. The success of this strategy provides insights into seeking high-performance biochar materials for Li–S batteries from abundant bioresources.