In-situ construction of MoC quantum dots embedded in n-doped 2D nanocarbon as a multifunctional host for high-performance lithium sulfide cathode

Lithium-ion batteries using Li2S cathode are considered as an optimal alternative for current lithium-ion bat-teries since their high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh/g) and high energy density (2600 W h kg-1). However, low electronic/ionic conductivity, severe lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle, and sluggish electrochemical re-action kinetics are the three major challenges for the practical application of Li2S. Herein, we report a multi-functional host of MoC quantum dots embedded in N-doped 2D nanocarbon (MoC@2D-NNC) with high electronic/ionic conductivity, strong LiPSs capture ability and superior electrochemistry catalytic activation for Li2S electrode. Nano Li2S is successfully entered into the MoC@2D-NNC to form MoC@2D-NNC/Li2S composite via facile liquid-phase dissolution precipitation. The obtained MoC@2D-NNC/Li2S composite displays a high electronic conductivity of 0.1624 S cm-1, high initial discharge capacity of 1059 mAh/g, and long-term cycling performance over 1000 cycles. This reported MoC@2D-NNC/Li2S composite exhibits promising applications in advanced Li-S batteries.

Automated summary

In this study, a multi-functional host of MoC quantum dots embedded in N-doped 2D nanocarbon (MoC@2D-NNC) was reported for improving the performance of Li2S batteries. The MoC@2D-NNC/Li2S composite was prepared via easy liquid-phase dissolution precipitation and exhibited excellent conductivity and cycling performance, showing potential applications.