Stable immobilization of lithium polysulfides using three-dimensional ordered mesoporous Mn_(2)O_(3) as the host material in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)have drawn significant attention owing to their high theoretical discharge capacity and energy density.However,the dissolution of long-chain polysulfides into the electrolyte during the charge and discharge process(“shuttle effect”)results in fast capacity fading and inferior electrochemical performance.In this study,Mn_(2)O_(3)with an ordered mesoporous structure(OM-Mn_(2)O_(3))was designed as a cathode host for LSBs via KIT-6 hard templating,to effectively inhibit the polysulfide shuttle effect.OM-Mn_(2)O_(3)offers numerous pores to confine sulfur and tightly anchor the dissolved polysulfides through the combined effects of strong polar-polar interactions,polysulfides,and sulfur chain catenation.The OM-Mn_(2)O_(3)/S composite electrode delivered a discharge capacity of 561 mAh g^(-1) after 250 cycles at 0.5 C owing to the excellent performance of OM-Mn_(2)O_(3).Furthermore,it retained a discharge capacity of 628mA h g^(-1) even at a rate of 2 C,which was significantly higher than that of a pristine sulfur electrode(206mA h g^(-1)).These findings provide a prospective strategy for designing cathode materials for high-performance LSBs.

Intrinsic electrochemical activity of Ni in Ni_(3)Sn_(4) anode accommodating high capacity and mechanical stability for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries

Fast interfacial kinetics derived from bicontinuous three-dimensional(3D)architecture is a strategic feature for achieving fast-charging lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).One of the main reasons is its large active surface and short diffusion path.Yet,understanding of unusual electrochemical properties still remain great challenge due to its complexity.In this study,we proposed a nickel–tin compound(Ni_(3)Sn_(4))supported by 3D Nickel scaffolds as main frame because the Ni_(3)Sn_(4) clearly offers a higher reversible capacity and stable cycling performance than bare tin(Sn).In order to verify the role of Ni,atomic-scale simulation based on density functional theory systematically addressed to the reaction mechanism and structural evolution of Ni_(3)Sn_(4) during the lithiation process.Our findings are that Ni enables Ni_(3)Sn_(4) to possess higher mechanical stability in terms of reactive flow stress,subsequently lead to improve Li storage capability.This study elucidates an understanding of the lithiation mechanism of Ni_(3)Sn_(4) and provides a new perspective for the design of high-capacity and high-power 3D anodes for fast-charging LIBs.