Energy Storage System Based on Recycled Polypropylene and Its Use in Lithium-Sulfur and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nontoxic, eco-friendly,and high-energy-density sulfuratedpoly(propylene)(S/PP-waste) has been prepared in a one-step vulcanization processfrom recycled poly(propylene) waste and used as a cathode materialin lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. A sulfur loadingof up to 50.4 wt % was achieved. In S/PP-waste, the sulfur is covalentlybound to the polymer matrix, selectively resulting in a solid phasetransition during charge and discharge. Consequently, the polysulfideshuttle can be avoided, which results in satisfactory electrochemicalperformance with ultralong cycle life and a low capacity decay percycle of & SIM;0.018% at 0.5C. S/PP-waste was also explored forthe first time as an anode material in LiMn2O4-based Li-ion full cells. Its good electrochemical performance aswell as its recycled nature make it a promising energy storage materialfor the future.