Conversion of LiPSs Accelerated by Pt‐Doped Biomass‐Derived Hyphae Carbon Nanobelts as Self‐Supporting Hosts for Long‐Lifespan Li–S Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable Li–S batteries (LSBs) are emerging as an important alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), owing to their high energy densities and low cost; yet sluggish redox kinetics of LiPSs results in inferior cycle life. Herein, we prepared multifunctional self‐supporting hyphae carbon nanobelt (HCNB) as hosts by carbonization of hyphae balls of Rhizopus, which could increase the S loading of the cathode without sacrificing reaction kinetics. Trace platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were introduced into HCNBs (PtHCNBs) by ion‐beam sputtering deposition. Based on the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the introduced trace Pt regulated the local electronic states of heteroatoms in HCNBs. Electrochemical kinetics investigation combined with operando Raman measurements revealed the accelerated reaction mechanics of sulfur species. Benefiting from the synergistic catalytic effect and the unique structures, the as‐prepared PtHCNB/MWNCT/S cathodes delivered a stable capacity retention of 77% for 400 cycles at 0.5 C with a sulfur loading of 4.6 mg cm−2. More importantly, remarkable cycling performance was achieved with an high areal S loading of 7.6 mg cm−2. This finding offers a new strategy to prolong the cycle life of LSBs.

High-Entropy Alloy Electrocatalysts Bidirectionally Promote Lithium Polysulfide Conversions for Long-Cycle-Life Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…This slurry was then dripped onto the hypha carbon nanobelts (HCNBs) to prepare the S/HEA@HC/HCNB cathode. Further prepared details on the HCNBs can be found in ref . The thickness of the S/HEA@HC/HCNB cathode is about 580 μm (Figure S17), and the sulfur content is 12.55% from the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves (Figure S18).…”

Platinum Electrocatalyst Promoting Redox Kinetics of Li2S and Regulating Li2S Nucleation for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Synthesis of PtHCNBs: The culture of "Rhizopus" hyphae balls and the detailed preparation process of HCNBs can be found in the reference. [35] PtHCNBs were synthesized by a solution deposition method. First, HC-NBs were pretreated with a 30% H 2 O 2 solution at 90 °C for 5 h, washed with DIW until the pH reached the range of 6.0-6.…”

A Detailed Discourse on the Epistemology of Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

“…Hence, the biomass-derived hyphae carbon could enhance the loading to 4.6 mg cm -2 sulfur, which can deliver a retention capacity of 77 % for 400 cycles at 0.5 C. As an evidence of cycling performance, Li-S batteries have achieved a remarkable areal capacity of 9.8 mAh cm -2 at 0.1 C, and the capacity of 7.3 mAh cm -2 was maintained even after 60 cycles. This novel design strategy facilitates the redox kinetics of new sulfur species for long-life span Li-S batteries [4].…”