Multifunctional Interlayer Based on Molybdenum Diphosphide Catalyst and Carbon Nanotube Film for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

A multifunctional interlayer, composed of molybdenum diphosphide (MoP ) nanoparticles and a carbon nanotube (CNT) film, is introduced into a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery system to suppress polysulfide migration. Molybdenum diphosphide acts as the catalyst and can capture polysulfides and improve the polysulfide conversion activity during the discharge/charge processes. The CNT film acts as a conductive skeleton to support the MoP nanoparticles and to ensure their uniform distribution. The CNT film physically hinders polysulfide migration, acts as a current collector, and provides abundant electron pathways. The Li-S battery containing the multifunctional MoP /CNT interlayer exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. It delivers a reversible specific capacity of 905 mA h g over 100 cycles at 0.2 C, with a capacity decay of 0.152% per cycle. These results suggest the introduction of the multifunctional CNT/MoP interlayer as an effective and practical method for producing high-performance Li-S batteries.

Rational Fabrication of Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Carbon Nanotubes/MoS2 for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…[35] In Ta ble 1, we compare the electrochemical performance of our fabricated cell to those reported in the literature. [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] Our NSCNTs/MoS 2 /S-NM cell presents outstanding cycling performance and high sulfur utilization.…”

“…In another study, a specific capacity of 660 mAh g −1 (sulfur loading of 1.5 mg cm −2 , after 250 cycles at 1.0 C) was achieved by the incorporation of nitrogen, carbon, and cobalt in a metal–organic‐framework‐derived porous interlayer . In Table , we compare the electrochemical performance of our fabricated cell to those reported in the literature . Our NSCNTs/MoS 2 /S‐NM cell presents outstanding cycling performance and high sulfur utilization.…”

Adsorption‐Catalysis Design in the Lithium‐Sulfur Battery

“…It is mentionable that CNTs with conductive framework can ensure fast charge transport and reduce additional surface diffusing step, which can also enhance the reaction kinetics. The MoP 2 /CNT interlayer exhibited a reversible specific capacity of 905 mAh g −1 over 100 cycles at 0.2 C. [67] Currently, Liu and co-workers reported a strategy of P-doped carbon-coated CNT matrix combined with Ni 3 P nanospheres (PCCNT@NPS) as a multifunction interlayer. Kuang et al reported 1 nm thin Fe 3 C nanosheet anchoring on mesoporous carbon (Fe 3 C-MC) to serve as the host of Li-S battery.…”

“…In this design, the CNT film severed as a current collector to hinder LiPSs migration and provided pathways for electron transfer, the MoP 2 nanoparticles acted as the catalyst to accelerate the conversion reaction, which can enhance the reaction kinetics. The MoP 2 /CNT interlayer exhibited a reversible specific capacity of 905 mAh g −1 over 100 cycles at 0.2 C. [67] Currently, Liu and co-workers reported a strategy of P-doped carbon-coated CNT matrix combined with Ni 3 P nanospheres (PCCNT@NPS) as a multifunction interlayer. With the abundant chemical adsorption, the strong physical adsorption and efficient catalytic ability, the battery delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 1067 mAh g −1 with a low capacity degradation of 0.077% per cycle over 500 cycles at 1 C. [68]…”

Interlayer Material Selection for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

“…With the development of advanced portable electronic devices and zero-emission electric vehicles, the demand for batteries with long cycle life, high capacity, and low self-discharge is continuously increasing. [1][2][3][4] Sony for the first time commercialized lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the early 1990s. 5 Thereafter, LIBs have been racing ahead during the past decades as the power source of choice.…”