A thin TiO2 NTs/GO hybrid membrane applied as an interlayer for lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur batteries hold great promise for serving as next generation high energy density batteries. However, the shuttle of polysulfide induces rapid poor cycling stability of lithium-sulfur cells. Using an interlayer inserted between the sulfur cathode and the separator to capture these soluble intermediates can diminish this effect effectively. Herein, a ultrathin TiO2 nanotubes/graphene oxide (TiO2 NTs/GO) hybrid membrane (the thickness is less than 10 μm) used as an interlayer in lithium sulfur battery can effectively improve the cycle performance by trapping the soluble polysulfides. As a result, the sulfur cathode with TiO2 NTs/GO hybrid membrane as interlayer exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 1431.5 mA h g-1 and maintains the reversible capacity of 845.8 mA h g-1 at 0.1C after 100 cycles.