Fast production of zinc–hexamethylenetetramine complex microflowers as an advanced sulfur reservoir for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

A unique zinc–hexamethylenetetramine coordination complex (ZnHMT) has been developed through a facile and fast solution-based method. The ZnHMT complex delivers an exquisite flower-like nanoarchitecture assembled by ultrathin nanosheets, which not only facilitates the electrolyte infiltration and ion transfer, but also implements efficient exposure of active interfaces. Meanwhile, the strong chemical interactions between ZnHMT and polysulfides render potent sulfur immobilizations, contributing to effective inhibition of the shuttling behavior. As a result, Li–S cells with a ZnHMT-based interlayer achieve excellent cyclability over 1000 cycles, superb rate capability up to 5C and a high areal capacity of 5.9 mA h cm⁻² under raised sulfur loading.