(696i) Novel Cathode Framework of Nanostructured Titanium Nitride/Graphene for Advanced Lithium Sulfur Batteries

Nanostrucutred titanium nitride (TiN) and graphene composite electrodes have been fabricated through a facile ultrasonication method combined with melt-diffusion of elemental sulfur. Nanostructured TiN particles and tube arrays integrated with graphene substrate lead to the formation of a porous structure with enhanced electrical conductivity and stabilized integrated structure. Such a framework may facilitate accessibility of electrolyte and fast transfer of charges. The specific capacities of the Li-S batteries with TiN nanotube/ and nanoparticles/ graphene composites are 1229 and 1085 mAh g^-1 after 180 cycles under 0.1 C rate, respectively, which are significant better than pure TiN nanostructures. The specific capacity and capacity retention were investigated as a function of TiN nanotubes to graphene ratio. The optimal ratio was found to be 1:1 TiN/Graphene, with the highest capacity retention of 87.5% after 180 cycles. This optimal 3D hybrid structure may provide a balance of high specific capacity and electrochemical stability, allowing durable and efficient energy storage and conversion over long cycles.