MnO2-coated dual core–shell spindle-like nanorods for improved capacity retention of lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

The emerging need for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries has motivated many researchers to investigate different designs. However, the polysulfide shuttle effect, which is the result of dissolution of many intermediate polysulfides in electrolyte, has still remained unsolved. In this study, we have designed a sulfur-filled dual core–shell spindle-like nanorod structure coated with manganese oxide (S@HCNR@MnO2) to achieve a high-performance cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries. The cathode showed an initial discharge capacity of 1661 mA h g−1 with 80% retention of capacity over 70 cycles at a 0.2C rate. Furthermore, compared with the nanorods without any coating (S@HCNR), the MnO2-coated material displayed superior rate capability, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency. The synergistic effects of the nitrogen-doped hollow carbon host and the MnO2 second shell are responsible for the improved electrochemical performance of this nanostructure.