@article{Wang2026, 
author = {Zuoshu Wang and Xueyan Yang and Guochao Zhao and Dewei Wang and Yuhong Chen},
title = {Asymmetric Zn–N4–S configuration via second-shell sulfur doping for ultralow-polarization aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {94908560},
keywords = {aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries, metal single-atom, porous carbon, coordination environment, electrocatalyst},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908560},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908560},
abstract = {The development of aqueous zinc–sulfur batteries (AZSBs) is primarily plagued by the sluggish kinetics and poor reversibility of the solid–solid sulfur conversion reaction. Herein, we report a Zn single-atom catalyst embedded within a N, S-doped porous carbon matrix (Zn SAs/NSC) as an efficient sulfur host to tackle these challenges. A one-step pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) with potassium thiosulfate (K2S2O3) was employed to produce hierarchical pore structure with large specific surface area of 2135.5 m2·g−1 and incorporation of sulfur atoms in the second coordination shell of Zn–N4 sites, resulting in an asymmetric Zn–N4–S configuration. When employed as a sulfur host, the Zn SAs/NSC-800-based cathode delivers a notable discharge capacity of 1610.6 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1 with an ultralow polarization voltage of 0.276 V. It also exhibits good rate capability (1229.1 mAh·g−1 at 5 A·g−1) and long-term cycling stability (60% capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the Zn–N4–S sites can enhance the adsorption energy of ZnS (−2.08 eV) and facilitate electron transfer, thereby reducing the energy barrier for the solid–solid conversion. This work demonstrates the significant roles of metal single-atom coordination microenvironment in enhancing the electrochemical performance of AZSBs.}
}