Enhanced Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Using Construction Wastes: A Sustainable Approach to High-Loading...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer high theoretical energy density but face challenges in sulfur cathode conductivity and polysulfide shuttling.
• Current solutions often involve expensive or environmentally taxing conductive additives.
• Improving Li-S battery efficiency, cyclability, and sustainability is crucial for next-generation energy storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of recycled materials as substrates for graphene coatings in Li-S battery cathodes.
• To enhance polysulfide adsorption and electrochemical performance using sustainable materials.
• To align battery technology advancements with green chemistry and circular economy principles.

Main Methods:

• Recycled quartz (SiO2) and recycled shelf boards (Al2O3-rich) were utilized as substrates.
• Graphene coatings were applied to the recycled materials.
• Electrochemical performance, including sulfur loading, charge capacity, cycle stability, and energy density, was evaluated in Li-S cells.

Main Results:

• Graphene-coated recycled quartz demonstrated high sulfur loading (8 mg cm⁻²).
• Exceptional charge capacity (1,114 mAh g⁻¹) and long cycle stability (200 cycles) were achieved.
• The graphene coating significantly improved polysulfide adsorption and overall battery performance, reaching an energy density of 19 mWh cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• Recycled materials, when coated with graphene, can effectively serve as high-performance substrates for Li-S battery cathodes.
• This approach addresses key challenges in Li-S battery technology, enhancing electrochemical performance and sustainability.
• Repurposing waste materials offers a viable pathway to minimize environmental impact in advanced battery development.