Hollow structure in MnO2 wrapped sulfur microsphere to suppress the volume changes in lithium-sulfur battery

Statement of the Problem: Lithium-sulfur batteries are considered as a promising candidate for next-generation energy-storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density of 2600 W h kg-1 (sulfur cathode coupled with lithium metal anode). The sulfur cathode has a high theoretical specific capacity of 1673 mA h g-1. It is low cost and environmentally friendly. However, there are several challenges in sulfur cathodes before using in practical application such as low conductivity of sulfur and their intermediates, large volumetric expansion during lithiation and “shuttle effect” of soluble polysulfides.