Method for preparing sulfur-polyacrylonitrile (SPAN)

A method for forming sulfur polyacrylonitrile (SPAN), the method comprising:

• contacting sulfur(S) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form an admixture;
• sealing a container holding the admixture;
• heating the admixture to a first temperature;
• venting the container holding the admixture to release gases generated during the heating of the admixture to the first temperature;
• re-sealing the container holding the admixture;
• and
• heating the admixture to a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature.

A method for forming sulfur polyacrylonitrile (SPAN), the method comprising:

• contacting sulfur(S) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to form an admixture having a mass ratio of sulfur:polyacrylonitrile of greater than or equal to about 1.8:1 to less than or equal to about 2:1;
• heating the admixture to a first temperature greater than or equal to about 300° C. to less than or equal to about 350° C.;
• sealing a container holding the admixture;
• and
• heating the admixture to a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature, the second temperature being greater than or equal to about 400° C. to less than or equal to about 600° C.