A Green and Effective Organocatalyst for Faster Oxidation of Li₂S in Electrochemical Processes

Abstract

The search for viable carbon‐neutral sources of renewable energy is one of the most critical challenges in science today. The chemical community is committed to seeking efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable electrocatalysts that can exploit the energy produced by sustainable energy resources. Here, an ethanol organocatalyst, which is green and cheap, that can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of Li2S in the electrochemical reactions of Li2S cathodes is identified . This study demonstrates that a multitude of small molecular organocatalysts will offer electrochemists an elegant tool for accelerating electrochemical reactions with otherwise unattainable efficiency and precision. This concept refashions electrochemical domains and has broad implications for the design of “green” and sustainable chemistry cycles.

Kinetically Favorable Li–S Battery Electrolytes

“…Fan et al further studied the interface chemistry of Li 2 S dissociation on a molecular scale. 124 As for the homogeneous ethanol catalyst, it tends to prebond with Li 2 S with full interfacial contact (Figure 12f). The thus-formed organocatalyst−Li 2 S mixture harnesses a lower reaction barrier for achieving Li dissociation as compared to pure Li 2 S, thereby expediting its oxidation process.…”

“…Fan et al further studied the interface chemistry of Li 2 S dissociation on a molecular scale . As for the homogeneous ethanol catalyst, it tends to prebond with Li 2 S with full interfacial contact (Figure f).…”

“…Schematic illustration of the Li 2 S oxidation catalyzed by the (f) homogeneous ethanol organocatalyst and (g) traditional solid catalysts. Reproduced with permission from ref . Copyright 2023 Wiley-VCH.…”

Covalent triazine frameworks for advanced energy storage: challenges and new opportunities

“…The low inherent conductivity of sulfur and the ''shuttle effect'' from the dissolved polysulfides, as documented, lead to poor cycling performance and rate capability. 93,94 To address these issues, two prevalent strategies have been introduced: (1) using conductive materials to enhance the electron conductivity of the sulfur cathode; (2) physically encapsulating S elements into the host to absorb polysulfide. 108 Due to high porosity, wide pore size distribution, tunable functional groups, and high surface area, CTFs are excellent host materials for sulfur cathodes.…”

Progress and perspectives on iron-based electrode materials for alkali metal-ion batteries: a critical review

“…Alkali metal-ion batteries (AMIBs) are widely acknowledged as sufficiently reliable, environmentally benign and affordable electrochemical ESSs and have reported applications in portable electronics, electric vehicles and smart electrical grids. 5,6 Amongst reported AMIBs, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are overwhelmingly used in electronics and continue to expand their applications to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid EVs (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). 7,8 However, current commercial LIBs do not meet the demands of large-scale energy storage or of EVs, HEVs and PHEVs, because of their high cost, safety risks, low energy density, limited lifespan and low power output.…”