Configuring single-layer MXene nanosheet onto natural wood fiber via C-Ti-C covalent bonds for high-stability Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)are considered promising candidates for next-generation battery technologies owing to their outstanding theoretical energy density and cost-effectiveness.However,the low conductivity and polysulfide shuttling effect of S cathodes severely hamper the practical performance of LSBs.Herein,in situ-generated single layer MXene nanosheet/hierarchical porous carbonized wood fiber(MX/PCWF)composites are prepared via a nonhazardous eutectic activation strategy coupled with pyrolysis-induced gas diffusion.The unique architecture,wherein single layer MXene nanosheets are constructed on carbonized wood fiber walls,ensures rapid polysulfide conversion and continuous electron transfer for redox reactions.The C-Ti-C bonds formed between MXene and PCWF can considerably expedite the conversion of polysulfides,effectively suppressing the shuttle effect.An impressive capacity of 1301.1 m A h g^(-1)at 0.5 C accompanied by remarkable stability is attained with the MX/PCWF host,as evidenced by the capacity maintenance of 722.6 m A h g^(-1)after 500 cycles.Notably,the MX/PCWF/S cathode can still deliver a high capacity of 886.8 m A h g^(-1)at a high S loading of 5.6 mg cm^(-2).The construction of two-dimensional MXenes on natural wood fiber walls offers a competitive edge over S-based cathode materials and demonstrates a novel strategy for developing high-performance batteries.