biostudies-literatureUnknown10(16)Kim GHCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been explored as a potential cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries owing to their unique structure. However, traditional CNTs exhibit poor dispersion properties when preparing electrodes. The non-uniform distribution of the conductive agents hinders the formation of enough sites for sulfur loading, which results in the aggregation of sulfur/Li₂S and severe polarization. In this study, we propose the acidic functionalization of CNTs in the cathode structure as a practical solution for mitigating the poor dispersion and polysulfide shuttling in lithium-sulfur batteries. Multiwalled CNTs were functionalized by oxidation through acidic treatment using sulfuric, nitric, and mixed acids. The cathode prepared with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids showed a coulombic efficiency of 99 % after 100 cycles, with a discharge capacity of 743 mAh g^-1. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the acidic functionalization of CNTs as a promising approach for enhancing the electrochemical performance and commercial viability of lithium-sulfur batteries.Heliyone35969https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11367129biostudies-literatureEnhanced lithium host performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes through acidic functionalization for lithium-sulfur batteries.PMC11367129Kim DPark JWKim GHChoi HYRaza ALee YJfalseEnhanced lithium host performance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes through acidic functionalization for lithium-sulfur batteries.Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been explored as a potential cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries owing to their unique structure. However, traditional CNTs exhibit poor dispersion properties when preparing electrodes. The non-uniform distribution of the conductive agents hinders the formation of enough sites for sulfur loading, which results in the aggregation of sulfur/Li₂S and severe polarization. In this study, we propose the acidic functionalization of CNTs in the cathode structure as a practical solution for mitigating the poor dispersion and polysulfide shuttling in lithium-sulfur batteries. Multiwalled CNTs were functionalized by oxidation through acidic treatment using sulfuric, nitric, and mixed acids. The cathode prepared with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids showed a coulombic efficiency of 99 % after 100 cycles, with a discharge capacity of 743 mAh g^-1. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the acidic functionalization of CNTs as a promising approach for enhancing the electrochemical performance and commercial viability of lithium-sulfur batteries.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Aug2025-04-26T11:42:40.913Z2025-04-06T13:45:50.603ZS-EPMC113671293922439310.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35969