Flexible and self-supported manganese dioxide/S composite cathode for high electrochemical performance

Rational design of host materials for element sulfur is critical in the lithium-sulfur batteries to stabilize the polysulfide, which could migrate from the cathode to the anode, leading to the so-called shuttle effect. Herein, we develop a method to prepare the suitable sulfur host materials for the lithium-sulfur batteries. The manganese dioxide nanospheres are successfully prepared and designed as sulfur host in the lithium-sulfur batteries. The as-prepared manganese dioxide/S composites could be formed flexible and self-supported electrode without the current collector. Due to the presence of the manganese dioxide/S composites, the lithium-sulfur batteries exhibit superior electrochemical performance, including high specific capacity, stable cycling performance, and excellent rate performance.