NiS/NiCo2O4 Cooperative Interfaces Enable Fast Sulfur Redox Kinetics for Lithium–Sulfur Battery

Abstract

AbstractDue to their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness, lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered highly promising for the next generation of energy storage technologies. However, the soluble lithium‐polysulfides (LiPSs) notorious for causing the shuttle effect and the sluggish redox kinetics have hindered their practical commercialization. To tackle these challenges, a heterostructural catalyst featuring NiS‐NiCo2O4 interfaces is developed, which serves as an interlayer for LSBs. These interfacial sites leverage the advantages of polar NiCo2O4 and conductive NiS, enabling smooth Li+ diffusion, rapid electron transport, and effective immobilization of LiPSs. This synergistic approach promotes the conversion of sulfur species, resulting in a high discharge capacity of 526 mAh g−1 at 3 C for cells with the NiS‐NiCo2O4 interlayer. Additionally, remarkable cycling stability is achievable with an areal sulfur loading of ≈5.0 mg cm−2. It is believed that this research paves the way for practical applications of LSBs.