Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical specific energy density and low cost.However,serious shuttle effect and slug...Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical specific energy density and low cost.However,serious shuttle effect and sluggish lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)redox kinetics severely impede the practical application of Li-S batteries.Employing polar sulfur hosts is an effective strategy to alleviate the above problems.Herein,the potential of two-dimensional(2D)Ti_(2)B-based sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries was comprehensively explored using first-principles calculations.The results show that functional groups of Ti_(2)B can significantly modulate its structural properties,thus affecting its interaction with sulfurcontaining species.Among S,Se,F,Cl,and Br elements,Ti_(2)B terminated with S and Se atoms possess stronger adsorption capability towards soluble Li_(2)S_(8),Li_(2)S_(6),and Li_(2)S_(4),obviously stronger than organic electrolytes,which indicates that they can completely suppress the shuttle effect.Besides,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)can powerfully expedite the electrochemical conversion of LiPSs.Moreover,the decomposition energy barrier of Li_(2)S and diffusion energy barrier of single Li ion on them are also fairly low,manifesting their excellent catalytic performance towards the oxidation of Li_(2)S.Finally,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)always keep metallic conductivity during the whole charge/discharge process.Taking all this into account,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)are proposed as promising bifunctional sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries.Our results suggest that increasing the proportion of S and Se groups during the synthesis of Ti_(2)B monolayers is greatly helpful for obtaining high-performance Li-S batteries.Besides,our work not only reveals the huge potential of 2D transition metal borides in Li-S batteries,but also provides insightful guidance for the design and screening of new efficient sulfur cathodes.展开更多
基金supported by the Shanxi Province Science Foundation for Youth(202303021212150)1331 Engineering of Shanxi Province,Research Grants Council of Hong Kong(CityU 11306517,11305919,and 11308620)National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaeResearch Grants Council of Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme N_CityU104/19.
文摘Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical specific energy density and low cost.However,serious shuttle effect and sluggish lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)redox kinetics severely impede the practical application of Li-S batteries.Employing polar sulfur hosts is an effective strategy to alleviate the above problems.Herein,the potential of two-dimensional(2D)Ti_(2)B-based sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries was comprehensively explored using first-principles calculations.The results show that functional groups of Ti_(2)B can significantly modulate its structural properties,thus affecting its interaction with sulfurcontaining species.Among S,Se,F,Cl,and Br elements,Ti_(2)B terminated with S and Se atoms possess stronger adsorption capability towards soluble Li_(2)S_(8),Li_(2)S_(6),and Li_(2)S_(4),obviously stronger than organic electrolytes,which indicates that they can completely suppress the shuttle effect.Besides,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)can powerfully expedite the electrochemical conversion of LiPSs.Moreover,the decomposition energy barrier of Li_(2)S and diffusion energy barrier of single Li ion on them are also fairly low,manifesting their excellent catalytic performance towards the oxidation of Li_(2)S.Finally,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)always keep metallic conductivity during the whole charge/discharge process.Taking all this into account,Ti_(2)BS_(2)and Ti_(2)BSe_(2)are proposed as promising bifunctional sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries.Our results suggest that increasing the proportion of S and Se groups during the synthesis of Ti_(2)B monolayers is greatly helpful for obtaining high-performance Li-S batteries.Besides,our work not only reveals the huge potential of 2D transition metal borides in Li-S batteries,but also provides insightful guidance for the design and screening of new efficient sulfur cathodes.