Preparation of activated carbon derived from biomass and its application in lithium–sulfur batteries

The most suitable activated carbon from three kinds of biomass wastes: walnut shell, peanut shell and pistachio hull is chosen to prepare the activated carbon–sulfur composites (AC-S) for rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery, due to the advantages of a relatively cheap, simple and non-toxic compositing progress. It indicates that the activated carbon (AC_pe) derived from peanut shell owns flat, narrow and long shape macroporous structure with large micropores on its surface and is more suitable for the reaction in the Li–S battery. The AC_pe/S composite containing about 57 wt% sulfur (sulfur loading of 0.83 mg cm^− 2) shows a best initial discharge capacity of 943 mAhg^− 1 at the rate of 0.2 C. It still retains a comparably high specific capacity of 619 mAh g^− 1 with a coulombic efficiency of 95% after 100 cycles. This fact implies that the inherent flat pore construction of AC_pe is beneficial for keep cycling stability for the lithium sulfur battery.