Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Abstract

As the demand for energy increases, researchers are searching for new, clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Scientists are also synthesizing and studying new materials to harness this energy efficiently in electrochemical energy storage devices. These devices are currently used in applications ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. Common electrochemical energy storage devices include batteries, capacitors, and supercapacitors. In this work, the focus is on lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). The charge/discharge mechanism in LSBs is significantly more complex than in other types of batteries. It’s called the conversion mechanism, because, during discharge, cathodic sulfur reacts with anodic ions to convert the sulfur to sulfide. Sulfide is then converted back to sulfur during charge. The presence of sulfur enables these batteries to have a more complex working principle, thanks to the 16-step redox reactions. Each step increases the efficiency of the battery. Additionally, LSBs have the theoretical potential to reach an impressive energy density above 500 Wh/kg, but current studies have revealed limitations due to the slow reaction kinetics of the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) and the shuttle effect, caused by the soluble polysulfide intermediates. To combat these limitations, this work synthesized a replacement material by activating bio-based carbon from maple leaves. This material was then used to make a maple-carbon sulfur composite and placed in coin cells. These batteries were then tested using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements, and cyclic stability at different C-ratings. The MC: KOH (1:3) sample showed a high specific capacitance at 0.1 C of 1050mAh/g, good stability, and good C-rating.

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