Collagen-biomorphic porous carbon nanofiber monoliths: Biosilicification-assisted sustainable synthesis and application in Li-S battery

Monolithic carbon has been synthesized via a sustainable biomimetic route utilizing intrafibrillar silicified collagen sponge as precursor and morphogenesis template. The mineralized silica in the biohybrid prevents collapse of the carbon during pyrolysis. Upon biosilica removal results show that the carbon monoliths inherit the porous fiber structure of the mother collagen. The carbon nanofiber framework facilitates the construction of a high electrical conductive pathway, while the internal spaces developed among the intertwined fibrillar network and pores within nanofiber walls offer room for sulfur storage. The as-obtained carbon-sulfur cathode exhibits an accessible discharge capacity approaching 800mAh g(-1) in Li-S battery.