Theoretical Calculation Guided Design of Single-Atom Catalysts toward Fast Kinetic and Long-Life Li–S Batteries
Date
2020
Authors
Zhou, G.
Zhao, S.
Wang, T.
Yang, S.-Z.
Johannessen, B.
Chen, H.
Liu, C.
Ye, Y.
Wu, Y.
Peng, Y.
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Journal article
Citation
Nano Letters, 2020; 20(2):1252-1261
Statement of Responsibility
Guangmin Zhou, Shiyong Zhao, Tianshuai Wang, Shi-Ze Yang, Bernt Johannessen, Hao Chen, Chenwei Liu, Yusheng Ye, Yecun Wu, Yucan Peng, Chang Liu, San Ping Jiang, Qianfan Zhang, and Yi Cui
Conference Name
Abstract
Lithium - sulfur (Li -S) batteries are promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their high theoretical energy density, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, low conductivity of sulfur species, dissolution of polysulfides, poor conversion from sulfur reduction, and lithium sulfide (Li2S) oxidation reactions during discharge - charge processes hinder their practical applications. Herein, under the guidance of density functional theory calculations, we have successfully synthesized large-scale single atom vanadium catalysts seeded on graphene to achieve high sulfur content (80 wt % sulfur), fast kinetic (a capacity of 645 mAh g -1 at 3 C rate), and long-life Li -S batteries. Both forward (sulfur reduction) and reverse reactions (Li2S oxidation) are significantly improved by the single atom catalysts. This finding is confirmed by experimental results and consistent with theoretical calculations. The ability of single metal atoms to effectively trap the dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and catalytically convert the LiPSs/Li2S during cycling significantly improved sulfur utilization, rate capability, and cycling life. Our work demonstrates an efficient design pathway for single atom catalysts and provides solutions for the development of high energy/power density Li -S batteries.
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© 2019 American Chemical Society