SYNTHESIS OF CARBON NANOTUBES ON A SHUNGITE SUBSTRATE AND THEIR USE FOR LITHIUM–SULFUR BATTERIES

A shungite mineral has been used as a support material of catalyst particles to synthesize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Raman spectroscopy enabled us to follow the formation of MWCNTs. The morphology of synthesized MWCNTs was investigated by a scanning electron microscope and a transmission electron microscope. As a result of simple heat treatment at 300^o C for 3 h in an inert atmosphere, a novel sulfur/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyacrylonitrile (S/MWCNT/PAN) composite was synthesized. These methods of obtaining MWCNTs and S/MWCNT/PAN composite based on heat treatment possess the advantages of simplicity and low cost. The introduction of MWCNTs into the composite gives a highly conductive and mechanically fl exible framework with an enhanced electronic conductivity and the ability to absorb polysulfi des between the Li anode and cathode, which leads to an enhanced cyclability and a higher coulombic effi ciency. The cell with this S/MWCNT/PAN ternary composite cathode demonstrates a stable reversible specifi c discharge capacity of 800 mA·h·g^–1 after 50 cycles at a battery C-rate of 0.2 C.
   
Author:  T. S. Temirgaliyeva, M. Nazhipkyzy, A. Nurgain, Z. A. Mansurov, and Zh. B. Bakenov
Keywords:  multiwalled carbon nanotubes, lithium–sulfur batteries, composite, CVD.
Page:  1295