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The fabrication of cathodes with carbonized Agave tequilana bagasse for Li–S batteries is performed for the first time. Three porous carbonaceous structures are developed and studied to elucidate the best carbon textural properties in terms of their surface area and pore size distribution: hierarchical porosity, highly microporous, and nonporous material, for sulfur hosting in Li–S cathodes. N2 physorption, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and potentiometric titrations analysis are performed to determine the textural, morphology, and physicochemical properties. The fabricated coin cells, CR2032, with cathodes made of mesoporous carbons, display a high discharge current (≈1600 mAh g−1), superior performance, and cyclability up to 250 cycles. The performance of batteries is found to be strongly influenced by surface area and pore size of the carbon materials. The carbonized tequila bagasse hosting sulfur can be very useful to fabricate cathodes for Li–S batteries with high initial capacity and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local electrical response in alkaline-doped CuInSe2 films prepared by single-step electrodeposition onto Cu substrates was studied by current-sensing atomic force microscopy. The CuInSe2 (CIS) films were prepared from single baths containing the dopant ions (Li, Na, K or Cs) and were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and photocurrent response. Increased crystallinity and surface texturing as the ion size increased were observed, as well as an enhanced photocurrent response in Cs-doped CIS. Li- and Na-doped films had larger conductivity than the undoped film while the K- and Cs-doped samples displayed shorter currents and the current images indicated strong charge accumulation in the Kand Cs-doped films, forming surface capacitors. Corrected current-sensing AFM IV curves were adjusted with the Shockley equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]