Hollow and Hierarchical CuCo-LDH Nanocatalyst for Boosting Sulfur Electrochemistry in Li-S Batteries

Authors: Min Li, Yebao Li, Qiao Cu, Yan Li, Hongyang Li, Zihao Li, Ming Li, Hua Liao, Ge Li, Gaoran Li, Xin Wang

Published: 2023-04-12

DOI: 10.34133/energymatadv.0032

Source: Full article


Abstract

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising candidates for next-generation high-efficiency energy storage, yet their practical implementation is seriously impeded by the parasitic shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, we develop a unique Cu, Co layered double hydroxide (CuCo-LDH) with a hollow and hierarchical structure as an advanced electrocatalyst to tackle these challenges. Combining the compositional, architectural, and chemical advantages, the as-developed CuCo-LDH enables facile charge transfer, fully exposed active interfaces, and strong interactions with polysulfides via metal–sulfur bonding. When employed in the functional separator, a reliable polysulfide barrier can be established against the shuttling behavior, while the excellent catalytic activity realizes fast and efficient sulfur electrochemistry. As a result, the CuCo-LDH-based LSBs achieve a well-restrained capacity decay of 0.049% per cycle over 500 cycles together with a good rate capability up to 5 C. Moreover, a favorable areal capacity of 4.39 mAh cm