Hybrid carbon matrices enable the suppression of polysulfide shuttle effect in Li–S batteries

Aizhan Kazymbetova, Akbota Kelgenbayeva, Ayaulym Belgibayeva, Arailym Nurpeissova, Aliya Orazalinovna Mukanova, Zhumabay Bakenov

2026

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DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-56662-8

Data confidence 70 medium

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Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries offer high theoretical energy density but face critical challenges due to sulfur’s poor conductivity and the polysulfide shuttle effect. Here we report a novel cathode design utilizing a hybrid carbon matrix derived from buckwheat biomass and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to overcome these issues. The buckwheat-derived hard carbon (HC), obtained at 1000 °C, provides hierarchical porosity to anchor polysulfides and buffer sulfur expansion, while SWCNT (optimized at 6%) creates a conductive network. As a result, S@SP/HC/SWCNT cathode delivers an initial discharge capacity of ~ 1250 mAh g − 1 at 0.1 C and retains ~ 60% of this capacity after 100 cycles with ~ 100% Coulombic efficiency. Overall, this sustainable, low-cost, and scalable carbon–sulfur cathode architecture effectively addresses key Li–S challenges and demonstrates strong promise for practical high-energy, long-life Li–S batteries.