Engineering Cooperative Catalysis in Li–S Batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded to be one of the most promising next‐generation batteries owing to the merits of high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, the aprotic S electrochemistry is hampered by the shuttling effect and sluggish conversion of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Various electrocatalysts have been designed to optimize the conversion kinetics of the LiPSs. Heteroatom doping or polar catalyst incorporation plays an important role to remedy these shortcomings. Here, the cooperative catalytic effects engendered by heteroatom codoping engineering, catalyst/heteroatom doping composite strategy, and integrating polar‐metal‐based material design are summarized. First, the design principles of the cooperative catalytic effect on the conductive interface are described in detail. Moreover, a systematic investigation of electrocatalytic kinetics characterization techniques that establish a bridge between the cooperative solid–liquid interface and the macroscopic electrochemical performance is highlighted, providing more scientific guidance for the catalyst design. In conclusion, stemming from the current achievements, future directions targeting the high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries for commercialization are proposed.

Longan-Derived Biomass Carbon-Induced Cubic-Type Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

“…The massive consumption of fossil fuels has caused severe environmental pollution problems and an energy crisis, which necessitate the search for renewable alternatives to alleviate the current situation. − Among the various renewable energy devices, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have played a significant role in the field of portable electronic devices over the past decades and are now also extensively used for vehicle applications. − However, the overall performance is still far less appealing compared with the increasing requirement for industrial requirements. Graphite has been commercialized as an anode material in LiBs, but the relatively low theoretical capacity (372 mAh g –1 ) leads to a relatively low energy density of the battery. − Therefore, the investigation of anode materials with a relatively higher theoretical capacity to increase the energy density and prolong the service time is significant for the practical application of LIBs. − …”

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile as cathodes for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries: advances in modification strategies

“…What's worse, the soluble intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) generated under this solid–liquid–solid electrochemical reaction mechanism will be dissolved in the electrolyte, and under the dual effects of electric field force and concentration gradient, the LiPSs will migrate continuously between the cathode and the anode (commonly known as the “shuttle effect”), resulting in the loss of active material, which will lead to a rapid decline in the capacity of the batteries. 15,16 Simultaneously, the concentration of the electrolyte will become larger due to the dissolution of LiPSs, leading to a slower migration rate of Li + , which greatly affects the battery's rate performance. 17–22 Based on the problems at the sulfur cathode, there is an urgent need to seek a material with high electrical conductivity, the ability to accommodate volume expansion, and that inhibits the dissolution of higher-order LiPSs to improve the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries.…”

The heterointerface effect to boost the catalytic performance of single atom catalysts for sulfur conversion in lithium–sulfur batteries

“…16 These heterostructures are formed by chemical bonding or physical combination of two or more 2D materials. In recent years, this concept has also been adopted to design electrocatalysts for Li–S batteries, which will incorporate the merits of individual components to neutralize the shortcomings of each building block 17–22 of the heterointerfaces. Nevertheless, there have been no reports on exploring the heterointerface effect on the catalytic performance of SACs for sulfur chemistry.…”