Hybrids of La₂O₃ nanoplates anchored in three-dimensional carbon nanotubes microspheres as efficient sulfur-hosts for highperformance lithium/sulfur batteries

A S/CNTs/La₂O₃ composite with microsphere morphology was prepared by facile one-pot spray drying method. La₂O₃ nanoplates are anchored tightly in interlaced CNTs framework to form a highly efficient sulfur host. Benefiting from synergistic effects of nonpolar CNTs and polar La₂O₃ in both enhancing conductivity and capturing polysulfide by physical and chemical adsorptions, the novel S/CNTs/La₂O₃ composite exhibited superior electrochemical properties in lithium/sulfur battery. The S/CNTs/La₂O₃ cathode exhibited initial reversible discharge capacity of 1251 mAh g⁻¹ and maintained 1011 mAh g⁻¹ capacity after 100 cycles at 0.1 C. The capacity decay rate of S/CNTs/La₂O₃ cathode was as low as 0.067% per cycle over 300 cycles at 1.0 C, showing good long-cycling stability.