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Research Article

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

Mao Qian1, Yakun Tang1, Lang Liu1( ), Yue Zhang1, Xiaohui Li1, JiaJia Chen2( )
State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Graphical Abstract

Well-dispersed Li2ZnTi3O8 particles were synthesized via a simple sol-gel method, which were simultaneously served as the sulfur host and the separator modifier in cathode side, asignificantly improving the electrochemical performance in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). The Li2ZnTi3O8 host with the polar chemical bonds help to improve the utilization of sulfur and the Li2ZnTi3O8 modified separator can simultaneously facilitate ion transport and alleviate shuttle effect of LiPSs.

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.

Keywords

Li2ZnTi3O8lithium-sulfur batterieshost–separator modifiercatalytic conversiondiffusion and loss of LiPSs

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Nano Research
Volume 17 Issue 7,
July 2024
Pages 6087-6094
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-024-6563-y
Cite this article:
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 Research, 2024, 17(7): 6087-6094. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-024-6563-y
Topics:
Lithium sulfur batteries

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Received: 10 December 2023
Revised: 30 January 2024
Accepted: 12 February 2024
Published: 23 March 2024
© Tsinghua University Press 2024
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