Hybrids of MnO2 nanoparticles anchored on graphene sheets as efficient sulfur hosts for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is considered as a promising option for electrochemical energy storage applications because of its low-cost and high theoretical capacity. However, the practical application of Li–S battery is still hindered due to the poor electrical conductivity of S cathode and the high dissolution/shuttling of polysulfides in electrolyte. Herein, we report a novel physical and chemical entrapment strategy to address these two problems by designing a sulfur–MnO2@graphene (S–MnO2@GN) ternary hybrid material structure. The MnO2 particles with size of ~ 10 nm are anchored tightly on the wrinkled and twisted GN sheets to form a highly efficient sulfur host. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of GN and MnO2 in both improving the electronic conductivity and hindering polysulfides by physical and chemical adsorptions, this unique S–MnO2@GN composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performances. Reversible specific capacities of 1416, 1114, and 421 mA h g−1 are achieved at rates of 0.1, 0.2, and 3.2 C, respectively. After a 100 cycle stability test, S–MnO2@GN composite cathode could still maintain a reversible capacity of 825 mA h g−1.