Porous hollow spherical Mg0.6Ni0.4O/S composite as cathode material for Li–S batteries.

Porous hollow Mg 0.6 Ni 0.4 O has been fabricated by simple solvothermal method and removed the template by calcining. Afterward, taking advantage of liquid infiltration method, we have successfully synthesized hollow Mg 0.6 Ni 0.4 O/S as positive material for Li-S battery with a sulfur loading of 59.9 wt%. Porous hollow structure not only promoted the electron transfer, but also mitigated the expansion of element sulfur in the process of charging and discharging. Under a current density of 200 mA g −1 , the reversible capacity was up to 912 mAh g −1 after 65 cycles with a high rate performance, coulombic efficiency and a capacity retention of 98%. Especially, at a higher current density of 4000 mA g −1 , the reversible capacity maintained at 174.5 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance was owe to Mg 0.6 Ni 0.4 O alleviating polysulfide dissolution in electrolyte and had unique catalytic effect on the Li/S redox reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]