N-doped Carbon Framework/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Sulfur Reservoir for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

In this study, by using commercial melamine foam as a starting material, we report a facile method to prepare N-doped carbon framework loaded with graphene (NCF-G), in which graphene nanosheets are homogeneously coated on the N-doped carbon framework. After sulfur is infused into this composite, the electrode delivers an initial capacity of 1,359.7 mA h g (1) at 0.1C (1st cycle), and maintains a specific capacity of 629.3 mA h g (1) for 150 cycles at 0.5C for lithium-sulfur batteries. The improved electrochemical performances are attributed to the capping effect exerted by N-doping for polysulfides and high electrical conductivity of the carbon framework with highly conductive graphene. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.