CoS2@C catalyzes polysulfide conversion to promote the rate and cycling performances of lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been considered one of the most promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. Nonetheless, the practical application of Li–S batteries is still inhibited by their lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics, which cause rapid capacity decay and inferior rate performance. Hence, anchoring LiPSs and catalyzing their conversion reactions are imperative to enhance the performance of Li–S batteries. In this work, one-dimensional (1D) porous carbon-encapsulated CoS₂ (CoS₂@C) fiber structures were prepared through a simple two-step hydrothermal reaction and they exhibited a robust LiPS trapping ability and rapid catalytic conversion of LiPSs. The formed three-dimensional (3D) architecture (CoS₂@C/MWCNT) facilitates the physical adsorption of LiPSs and rapid ion transport. The electrode exhibited a high initial capacity of 1329.5 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 C and a reversible capacity of 1060.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, with an 80% capacity retention rate. Meanwhile, the decay rate of the electrode is 0.048% per cycle at 1 C and after 500 cycles. With a sulfur loading of 3 mg cm⁻², the capacity retention rate is approximately 83.7% after 80 cycles.