Systematic Examination of Electrodeposition of Nickel–Sulfur Composites for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathodes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Nickel–sulfur (Ni–S) composites were prepared via electrodeposition using a Watts-type electrolyte containing thiourea as the sulfur source for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery cathodes. The effects of electrodeposition parameters, including thiourea concentration, current density, and dispersant additives (polyethyleneimine, PEI, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), were systematically investigated on sulfur loading, deposit composition, and morphology. Sulfur loading in the deposit increased with thiourea concentration up to a point, while increasing current density promoted nickel-rich deposition by reducing sulfur incorporation. Although dispersants improved sulfur loading and deposit uniformity, the resulting coatings exhibited poor adhesion and mechanical instability, limiting their suitability for Li–S batteries. Consequently, the cycling performance of Li–S batteries was evaluated using a mechanically stable, dispersant-free Ni–S composite cathode deposited on a three-dimensional nickel foam. The Li–S cell with the electrodeposited cathode delivered an initial specific capacity of 590.6 mAh g −1 (3.485 mAh cm −2 ). Thermogravimetric and cyclic voltammetry analyses suggest that nickel sulfide complexes, rather than elemental sulfur, are electrodeposited and serve as the electrochemically active species in the cathode. These findings demonstrate that electrodeposition provides a controllable and sustainable route for fabricating Ni–S cathodes and offer insights into the relationship between deposition conditions, cathode structure, and electrochemical performance.
Authors: Atakan Ayhan, Damla Eroglu
Institution: Boğaziçi University
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
Funder: L'Oreal USA
OpenAlex ID: W7204259349