A PPy/ZnO functional interlayer to enhance electrochemical performance of lithium/sulfur batteries

To enhance the electrochemical performance of the lithium/sulfur batteries, a novel interlayer was prepared by coating the slurry of PPy/ZnO composite onto the surface of a separator. Owing to a three-dimensional hierarchical network structure, PPy/ZnO composite serves as a polysulfide diffusion absorbent that can intercept the migrating soluble polysulfides to enhance the electrochemical performance of the Li/S batteries. The specific capacity of the cell with PPy/ZnO interlayer remained at 579 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. This interlayer can provide novel avenues for the commercial applications of Li/S batteries.