Effect of acetylene black and carbon nanotube interlayer on polyethylene glycol–coated sulfur composite cathode

Lithium sulfur batteries have been paid much attention due to their high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh·g −1 . However, the low conductivity and shuttle efficiency hinder commercial application. Acetylene black (AB) and multi-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) interlayer coating on polyethylene glycol (PEG)–coated sulfur composite cathode (S/AB/CNT@PEG) can improve the electrochemical performance of the composite cathode. Comparing the electrochemical performance of these two interlayers, the S/AB/CNT@PEG cathode with CNT interlayer could more effectively improve electrochemical performance of the composite cathode. Moreover, it delivers an initial discharge specific capacity of 1660.4 mAh/g at 0.1 C and a discharge specific capacity of 803.3 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 1 C.