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Li2ZnTi3O8 as the host-separator modifier with efficient polysulfides trapping and fast Li+ diffusion for lithium-sulfur batteries

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Abstract

The diffusion and loss of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) reduce the sulfur utilization rate and the catalytic conversion efficiency of sulfur species, resulting in early battery failure. Li2ZnTi3O8 (LZTO), characterized by its stable spinel structure, exhibits high Li+ conductivity and holds great potential as an effective adsorbent for LiPSs. This study proposes a collaborative design concept of LZTO host-separator modifier, which offers a complementary and matching approach in the cathode side, effectively addressing the challenges associated with dissolution and inadequate conversion of LiPSs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation substantiates the pronounced chemical affinity of LZTO towards LiPSs. More importantly, the high efficiency ion transport channels are achieved in separator coating due to the presence of the LZTO particles. Furthermore, the catalytic efficacy of LZTO is validated through meticulous analysis of symmetric batteries and Tafel curves. Consequently, the LZTO host-separator modifier-based cell displays satisfactory rate capability (1449 and 1166 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 and 0.5 C) and an impressively capacity (606 mAh·g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C). The coordinated strategy of host-separator modifier is supposed to have wide applications in LSBs.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22278347), State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface (No. 2021X21), and State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China

    Mao Qian, Yakun Tang, Lang Liu, Yue Zhang & Xiaohui Li

  2. State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    JiaJia Chen

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  1. Mao Qian
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  2. Yakun Tang
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  3. Lang Liu
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  4. Yue Zhang
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Correspondence to Lang Liu or JiaJia Chen.

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Li2ZnTi3O8 as the host-separator modifier with efficient polysulfides trapping and fast Li+ diffusion for lithium-sulfur batteries

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Qian, M., Tang, Y., Liu, L. et al. Li2ZnTi3O8 as the host-separator modifier with efficient polysulfides trapping and fast Li+ diffusion for lithium-sulfur batteries. Nano Res. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-024-6563-y

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