A Supramolecular Complex of C60-S with High-Density Active Sites as a Cathode for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The well-known shuttle effect of the intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and low sulfur utilization hinder the practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, we describe a novel C-60-S supramolecular complex with high-density active sites for LiPS adsorption that was formed by a simple one-step process as a cathode material for Li-S batteries. Benefiting from the cocrystal structure, 100 % of the C-60 molecules in the complex can offer active sites to adsorb LiPSs and catalyze their conversion. Furthermore, the lithiated C-60 cores promote internal ion transport inside the composite cathode. At a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 5 mu L mg(-1), the C-60-S cathode with a sulfur loading of 4 mg cm(-2) exhibited a high capacity of 809 mAh g(-1) (3.2 mAh cm(-2)). The development of the C-60-S supramolecular complex will inspire the invention of a new family of S/fullerenes as cathodes for high-performance Li-S batteries and extend the application of fullerenes.

Automated summary

A novel C-60-S supramolecular complex with high-density active sites for LiPS adsorption was developed as a cathode material for Li-S batteries, showing high capacity and potential for extending the application of fullerenes in high-performance Li-S batteries.