Morphology Control of Li2S Deposition via Geometrical Effect of Cobalt-Edged Nickel Alloy to Improve Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries operate based on the interconversion between sulfur and Li2S. Due to its insoluble and insulated nature, Li2S deposition is kinetically sluggish, which has an important effect on performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. In this work, cobalt-edged nickel alloy is designed and used as host material of sulfur cathodes to manipulate the behavior and morphology of Li2S deposition. It is found that Co and Ni have different catalytic kinetic characteristics for Li2S deposition reactions, and the difference in nucleation and growth rates of Li2S and geometrical effect of Co-edged Ni alloy can cause a well-spaced morphology to prevent premature surface passivation, thereby improving sulfur utilization and rate capability of the cathodes. As a result, the thick sulfur cathode using cobalt-edged nickel as host material with a sulfur loading of 4.0 mg cm(-2) shows an initial capacity of 1229.3 mA h g(-1) at electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 8 & mu;L mg(-1), as well as high capacity retention of 92.2% at 0.2 C during 100 cycles. These results provide an alternative perspective not only for developing new mixed host materials for lithium-sulfur batteries, and also for further understanding the existing works using composite host materials.

Automated summary

In this work, cobalt-edged nickel alloy is designed as a host material for sulfur cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries to manipulate the behavior and morphology of Li2S deposition. The difference in catalytic kinetic characteristics of Co and Ni and the geometrical effect of Co-edged Ni alloy result in a well-spaced morphology, preventing premature surface passivation and improving sulfur utilization and rate capability of the cathodes. This study provides insights for developing new host materials and understanding the existing works in lithium-sulfur batteries.