Metals and Alloys as Catalytic Hosts of Sulfur Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Authors

Zhen-Yu Wang, Institute of Science and Technology, China Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 101100, China.;
Xue-Ping Gao, Institute of New Energy Material Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.;Follow

Document Type

Review

Corresponding Author(s)

Xue-Ping Gao(xpgao@nankai.edu.cn)

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries are recognized as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage devices, owing to the high theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh·kg^–1. However, their application is seriously hindered by the sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics of elemental sulfur and discharged products (Li₂S₂/Li₂S), and the notorious “shuttle effect” of soluble intermediate lithium polysulfide species, leading to poor cycle stability, low sulfur utilization and inferior coulombic efficiency. Introducing catalytic hosts into sulfur cathode is an efficient path to propel the conversion of sulfur-contained species, thus preventing the dissolution and loss of active-sulfur material in lithium–sulfur batteries. In this review, we summarize recent progresses on the use of metals and alloys as the core catalytic host of sulfur and demonstrate the catalytic mechanism in the conversion process of sulfur species with the help of metal and alloy hosts. Finally, future outlooks are proposed on the construction of catalytic hosts and the development of high-energy lithium–sulfur batteries.

Keywords

lithium–sulfur batteries, metals/alloys, catalytic hosts

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.2217001

Online Date

10-5-2022

Recommended Citation

Wang, Zhen-Yu and Gao, Xue-Ping, "Metals and Alloys as Catalytic Hosts of Sulfur Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries" (2022). Journal of Electrochemistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.2217001

https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/online_first/15