Transition Metal Phosphides: The Rising Star of Lithium–Sulfur Battery Cathode Host

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) with ultra‐high energy density (2600 W h kg−1) and readily available raw materials are emerging as a potential alternative device with low cost for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the insulation of sulfur and the unavoidable shuttle effect leads to slow reaction kinetics of LSBs, which in turn cause various roadblocks including poor rate capability, inferior cycling stability, and low coulombic efficiency. The most effective way to solve the issues mentioned above is to rationally design and control the synthesis of the cathode host for LSBs. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) with good electrical conductivity and dual adsorption‐conversion capabilities for polysulfide (PS) are regarded as promising cathode hosts for new‐generation LSBs. In this review, the main obstacles to commercializing the LSBs and the development processes of their cathode host are first elaborated. Then, the sulfur fixation principles, and synthesis methods of the TMPs are briefly summarized and the recent progress of TMPs in LSBs is reviewed in detail. Finally, a perspective on the future research directions of LSBs is provided.

Diphosphorus Center Derived from Polyoxometalate for High-Energy Lithium Storage of MXene Nanosheets

“…11,20 The transition metal phosphides exhibit good lithium storage capacity owing to excellent conductivity, multielectron transfer reaction, and lower lithiation/delithiation potential. 21,22 Polyoxometalates are three-dimensional clusters composed of transition metal oxyanions, exhibiting promising energy storage performance due to high theoretical capacity, electron and proton transfer abilities, and reactive lattice oxygen. 23−25 However, the energy storage abilities are restricted by worse lithium-ion migration and smaller specific surface areas.…”

“…In addition, the construction of heterostructures is an effective strategy to regulate the properties of two-dimensional materials. , The transition metal phosphides exhibit good lithium storage capacity owing to excellent conductivity, multielectron transfer reaction, and lower lithiation/delithiation potential. , Polyoxometalates are three-dimensional clusters composed of transition metal oxyanions, exhibiting promising energy storage performance due to high theoretical capacity, electron and proton transfer abilities, and reactive lattice oxygen. − However, the energy storage abilities are restricted by worse lithium-ion migration and smaller specific surface areas . Polyoxometalates can be decomposed into transition metal oxides and phosphides during the calcining process, which will further improve the electronic and ionic conductivity.…”