Activating sulfur oxidation reaction via six-electron redox mesocrystal NiS2 for sulfur-based aqueous batteries

Sulfur-based aqueous batteries (SABs) are deemed promising candidates for safe, low-cost, and high-capacity energy storage. However, despite their high theoretical capacity, achieving high reversible value remains a great challenge due to the thermodynamic and kinetics problems of elemental sulfur. Here, the reversible six-electron redox electrochemistry is constructed by activating the sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) process of the elaborate mesocrystal NiS2 (M-NiS2). Through the unique 6e(-) solid-to-solid conversion mechanism, SOR efficiency can reach an unprecedented degree of ca. 96.0%. The SOR efficiency is further revealed to be closely associated with the kinetics feasibility and thermodynamic stability of the M-NiS2 intermedium in the formation of elemental sulfur. Benefiting from the boosted SOR, compared with the bulk electrode, the M-NiS2 electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity (1258 mAh g(-1)), ultrafast reaction kinetics (932 mAh g(-1) at 12 A g(-1)), and long-term cyclability (2000 cycles at 20 A g(-1)). As a proof of concept, a new M-NiS2||Zn hybrid aqueous battery exhibits an output voltage of 1.60 V and an energy density of 722.4 Wh kg(cath)(-1), which opens a new opportunity for the development of high-energy aqueous batteries. Taking mesocrystal NiS2 as a model sulfur intermedium, we propose and figure out the kinetic and thermodynamic problems of sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) process in S-based aqueous batteries.

Automated summary

This study investigates the reversible nature of the sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) in sulfur-based aqueous batteries (SABs) by activating the elaborate mesocrystal NiS2 (M-NiS2). By utilizing a unique 6e(-) solid-to-solid conversion mechanism, an unprecedented SOR efficiency of ca. 96.0% is achieved. The research reveals the importance of the kinetics and thermodynamics in determining the SOR efficiency, and provides insights for the development of high-energy aqueous batteries.