The efficient activated carbon cathode for high-performance Li-S batteries

About the Project

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are promising next-generation energy-storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, their practical application is limited by the dissolution and migration of lithium polysulfides (LiPS), which cause active-material loss, capacity fading, and poor cycling stability. This innovation introduces a nitrogen-doped activated carbon/sulfur (NDAC/S) cathode derived from palm kernel biomass to effectively suppress polysulfide dissolution and improve Li–S battery performance. The nitrogen-doped activated carbon provides a porous structure for sulfur confinement, while nitrogen-containing functional groups enhance the interaction between the carbon surface and polar lithium polysulfide species, thereby improving their adsorption and retention within the cathode. The developed NDAC/S cathode achieved an initial discharge capacity of 1044.12 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1C and retained 686.52 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, demonstrating good electrochemical stability. The achieved capacity also substantially exceeds the typical specific capacity of conventional nickel–manganese–cobalt (NMC) cathode materials. By integrating biomass-derived porous carbon, nitrogen functionalization, and effective sulfur confinement, this innovation offers a sustainable and high-performance cathode material for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries, while simultaneously promoting the value-added utilization of palm kernel biomass.