Investigating the Influence of Sustainably Derived Carbon Materialson the Precipitation of Lithium Sulfide (Li2S) in Lithium–Sulfur Battery

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are a promising candidate for the next generation of sustainably produced, high-energy-density, affordable batteries. This is due to the low cost of S, the high theoretical capacity of S (1672 mAh g-1), and the absence of expensive materials such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Porous carbon materials (PCMs) are required, to realise the full theoretical potential of Li–S batteries as they act as a S hosting material, increase the electrical conductivity of the cathode, help to physically confine intermediate polysulfides, and alleviate volumetric expansion that occurs during charge/discharge. Ideally, these PCMs should be prepared from sustainable materials to maintain the benefits of Li–S systems and promote a more resource-efficient approach to rechargeable battery manufacturing. In this study, carbon materials derived from end-of-life low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic and sustainable carbon precursors such as natural sugars (e.g. glucose)