Preparation and performance of sulfur–carbon composite based on hollow carbon nanofiber for lithium-sulfur batteries

A unique structured hollow carbon nanofiber–sulfur composite material (HCF–S) was fabricated and characterized in lithium-sulfur batteries. It is found that a part of spherical sulfur particles are located in the voids formed by the intertwined fibers and the others are confined in hollow channel of the HCF. The high conductive and porous HCF favors the construction of stable three-dimensional conducting network and convenient infiltration of the electrolytes into the cathode. The HCF–S cathode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in the electrolyte with LiNO₃. By contrast, the ionic liquid electrolyte provides insufficient shuttle suppression and weakens ion transport, which leads to poor cycle and rate capability.