Acceleration of bidirectional sulfur conversion kinetics and inhibition of lithium dendrites growth via a“ligand-induced”transformation strategy

The introduction of materials with dual-functionalities,i.e.,the catalytic(adsorption)features to inhibit shuttle effects at the cathode side,and the capability to facilitate homogenous Li-ion fluxes at the anode side,is a promising strategy to realize high performance lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs).Herein,a facile and rational organic“ligand-induced”(trimesic acid(TMA))transformation tactic is proposed,which achieves the regulation of electronic performance and d-band center of bimetallic oxides(NiFe_(2)O_(4))to promote bidirectional sulfur conversion kinetics and stabilize the Li plating/striping during the charge/discharge process.The battery assembled with NiFe_(2)O_(4)-TMA modified separator exhibits a remarkable initial specific capacity of 1476.6 mAh·g^(-1)at 0.1 C,outstanding rate properties(661.1 mAh·g^(-1)at 8.0 C),and excellent cycling ability.The“ligand-induced”transformation tactic proposed in this work will open a whole new possibility for tuning the electronic structure and d-band center to enhance the performance of LSBs.