Metal Atom-Decorated Carbon Nanomaterials for Enhancing Li-S/Se Batteries Performances: A Mini Review

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries are both facing the cathode issues of low Coulombic efficiency and unstable cycling stability due to the severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides or lithium polyselenides. Simultaneously inhibiting polysulfides/polyselenides dissolution in organic electrolytes and propelling them to conversion via introducing polar, catalytic materials has been proven as an effective strategy to enhance the durability of Li-S and Li-Se batteries. In this mini review, we systematically introduce various metal atom-decorated carbon nanomaterials to determine how to enhance the electrochemical performances of Li-S and Li-Se batteries by inhibiting the polysulfides/polyselenides shuttle phenomenon as well as catalyzing them toward quick redox conversions. We also briefly include the drawbacks and bottlenecks of this kind of material when used in Li-S and Li-Se batteries

Direct ink writing of metal‐based electrocatalysts for Li–S batteries with efficient polysulfide conversion

“…Metals have excellent electrical conductivity and can boost interfacial electrochemical processes. [ 60,65 ] As an example, a porous carbon flower (Figure 2A,B) decorated with nickel nanoparticles as sulfur hosts was reported by Bao and co‐workers. [ 66 ] The Ni‐CF/S electrodes enable short ionic transport lengths and can provide stable chemical effects and rapid chemical kinetics of LiPSs.…”

Growth Mechanism of Micro/Nano Metal Dendrites and Cumulative Strategies for Countering Its Impacts in Metal Ion Batteries: A Review

“…Similarly, phosphide-based transition metals as host separators in Li-S batteries improve the operating performance due to the excellent catalytic activity and high conductivity of phosphides [151]. Carbon materials have strong potential to reduce the polysulfide shuttle effect as they adsorb firmly with Li-polysulfides and possess high conductivity [152,153]. A core-shell encapsulated sulfur cathode with nanoparticles reduces the polysulfide shuttle.…”

Carbon spheres with catalytic silver centres as selenium hosts for stable lithium–selenium batteries

“…35 Furthermore, the incorporation of catalytic additives to the selenium-based composite cathode and employing solid electrolytes have also been found effective, similar to the sulfur cathodes. [37][38][39] Catalytic additives can enhance the rate and selectivity of the reaction and provide more stability to the product, leading to a more efficient electrochemical process. However, the choice of catalyst plays a critical role in order to achieve the optimum degree of polyselenide adsorption.…”