Lithium-sulphur batteries based on biological 3D structures

Lithium-sulphur accumulators are, thanks to their high theoretical energy density and good availability of sulphur, one of the most promising concepts of the new generation of accumulators. In this paper, we present a 3D structured cathode formed on a natural basis. A sea sponge Spongia officinalis served as a template for the electrode structure. This 3D electrode provides enough space for sulphur. Thus, it allows high sulphur loading. This electrode structure also immobilizes polysulphides inside the cathode and improves stability during cycling. The resultant new cathode configuration allows reaching very high sulphur area loading of 4.9 mg/cm 2 which is almost four times more than in the case of a standard coated electrode. Despite the high sulphur loading, the electrode maintains high stability during cycling in comparison with a standard electrode and it also reaches much higher square capacity, exceeding 3.0 mAh/cm 2 .