Study on preparation of activated carbon with corn stalk for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Activated carbon was synthesized by using cheap corn stalk as carbon source and ZnCl2 as activator by microwave assisted. Then sulfur-carbon composite materials was synthesized with elemental sulfur by using melting method. The composite was analyzed by surface area and porosity analyzer XRD,FESEM for structure and morphology, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge-discharge curve for electrochemical properties. Results showed that the activated carbon had specific surface area of 1 042. 2 m²/g and the total entrance of 0. 76 cm³/g. There were pores of different specifications distributed in internal acticated carbon and a large number of pores on activated carbon surface. The sulfur-carbon composite materials were tested when current density at 400 mA/g and scope of charge-discharge in 1.5 ~ 3 V, its initial specific discharge capacity was 608. 4 mAh/g, and capacity retention was 60% after 100 times, showing good electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]