Sustainable S cathodes with synergic electrocatalysis for room-temperature Na-S batteries

Publication Name

Journal of Materials Chemistry A

Abstract

A novel sulfiphilic host is reported with single Co atoms (Co1) and ZnS quantum dots (ZnS-QDs) (∼10 nm) grown in N-doped carbon microparticles. The introduction of Co cations into the precursor is crucial, because it leads to the dispersion of single-atom Co on the carbon matrix, decreasing the size and improving the dispersion of the resultant ZnS-QDs as well. Benefitting from the resilient and stable carbon framework, the single-atom Co and small ZnS-QDs synergically electro-catalyze the S redox process, which can greatly enhance sodium polysulfide conversion and reduction of non-conductive Na2S. The refined S cathode achieves remarkable cycling capability (640 mA h g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.1 A g-1), enhanced capacity retention, and outstanding energy density (541 W h kg-1), giving it great promise for scientific research and practical applications. This journal is

Open Access Status

This publication is not available as open access

Volume

9

Issue

1

First Page

566

Last Page

574

Funding Number

DE170100928

Funding Sponsor

Australian Research Council

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d0ta08748c