Carbon Nanofiber-Based Sandwich Free-Standing Cathode for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Challenges including rapid capacity degradation and reduced Coulombic efficiency due to the shuttle effect have hindered the commercial viability of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. A novel sandwich-structured electrode with an optimized electrode structure and current collector interface design was presented as a free-standing positive electrode for Li–S batteries. Fabricated via a simple slurry coating process, the electrode embedded multiwalled carbon nanotubes within carbon nanofiber composite films (PCNF/T). Owing to the superior conductivity and reduced weight in comparison to both carbon nanofibers (PCNF) and the conventional aluminum foil current collector (Al), the PCNF/T electrode exhibited diminished polarization and accelerated redox reaction kinetics. Thus, it delivers an initial discharge capacity of 990.23 mA h g –1 at 0.5 C. Even after 400 cycles, while retains a reversible capacity of 707.45 mA h g –1, corresponding to a minimal capacity degradation rate of merely 0.07% per cycle. Notably, the electrode exhibits a capacity retention of 619.81 mA h g –1 after 400 cycles at 1 C, with a capacity decay rate of only 0.08% per cycle. This study presents an innovative approach to developing a new free-standing cathode for high-performance Li–S batteries.