Padding molybdenum net with Graphite/MoO3 composite as a multifunctional interlayer enabling high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

The development of beyond lithium-ion battery systems with high energy density are urgently required due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and compact energy storage applications. Lithium Sulfur batteries are considered as the most promising candidate owing to their high energy and low cost. However, shuttle effect of lithium polysulfide between the cathode and anode is one of the vital obstacles limiting their commercial application. Here, we design and fabricate a multi-functional interlayer by padding the molybdenum net with graphite or graphite/molybdenum trioxide composite that is able to adsorb polysulfide effectively thus alleviate the diffusion of polysulfide. The weak molybdenum-oxygen bonds on the surface of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles provide efficient adsorption site to capture polysulfide. In addition, part of molybdenum trioxide can have lithium-ion intercalated to form lithium molybdenum trioxide, which contributes extra reversible capacity for the lithium-sulfur battery. molybdenum net ensures high electron conductivity and mechanical flexibility to facilitate charge transfer and endure inner stress. Coupling these advantages together, the lithium-sulfur cells with the multi-functional interlayer achieve a reversible capacity of 816 mAh g(-1) after 500 cycles with the capacity retention of 95%.