A layered porous ZrO2/RGO composite as sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

A new layered porous nanostructure with ZrO₂ nanoparticles attached on the reduced graphene oxide (ZrO₂/RGO) was synthesized by a facile solvothermal process. The resulting ZrO₂/RGO composite with well-designed mesoporous structure and excellent conductivity not only served as scaffold to house sulfur but also as polysulfide reservoir for lithium–sulfur batteries. This nanostructured S@ZrO₂/RGO electrode exhibits enhanced cycling stability, high specific capacity, and superior coulombic efficiency.