Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Effective Catalysts for High-Rate Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

In todaATIN SMALL LETTER Y WITH ACUTEs renaissance of high-energy-density secondary batteries, lithium-su l f u r (Li-S) batteries represent one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of renewable energy storage systems due to sulfur's high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mA h g-1 and high earth abundance. Howe v e r , despite decades of study, the issues associated with capacity fade via the polysulfide shuttle and sluggish kinetics remain. Through a rigorous and detailed electrochemical study of lithium polysulfides via rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry, we have investigated the kinetics of the redox reactions and explored candidate catalysts to potentially overcome/mitigate the polysulfide shuttle effect. From these RDE studies, supported by comprehensive electronic structure calculations of conversion-type surface reactions, we determined that WSe2 can effectively catalyze the polysulfide redox reaction, though further studies are necessary to improve the overall Li-S battery performance.

Automated summary

In the renaissance of high-energy-density secondary batteries, Li-S batteries with high theoretical specific capacity and earth abundance are promising for renewable energy storage systems. By studying the redox reactions of lithium polysulfides and exploring catalysts, we found that WSe2 can effectively catalyze the polysulfide redox reaction, but further studies are needed to improve Li-S battery performance.