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.