Tubular CoFeP@CN as a Mott–Schottky catalyst with multiple adsorption sites for robust lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

The shuttle effect and the sluggish reaction kinetics of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) seriously compromise the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). To overcome these limitations and enable the fabrication of robust LSBs, here the use of a Mott–Schottky catalyst based on bimetallic phos- phide CoFeP nanocrystals supported on carbon nitride tubular nanostruc- tures as sulfur hosts is proposed. Theoretical calculations and experimental data confirm that CoFeP@CN composites are characterized by a suitable electronic structure and charge rearrangement that allows them to act as a Mott–Schottky catalyst to accelerate LiPS conversion. In addition, the tubular geometry of CoFeP@CN composites facilitates the diffusion of Li ions, accommodates volume change during the reaction, and offers abundant lithi- ophilic/sulfiphilic sites to effectively trap soluble LiPS. Therefore, S@CoFeP@ CN electrodes deliver a superior rate performance of 630 mAh g-1 at 5 C, and remarkable cycling stability with 90.44% capacity retention over 700 cycles. Coin cells with high sulfur loading, 4.1 mg cm-2, and pouch cells with 0.1 Ah capacities are further produced to validate their superior cycling stability. In addition, it is demonstrated here that CoFeP@CN hosts greatly alleviate the often overlooked issues of low energy efficiency and serious self-discharging in LSBs.