Polysulfide-mediating properties of nickel phosphide carbon composite nanofibers as free-standing interlayers for lithium-sulfur batteries.

ABSTRACT: Issues such as the polysulfide shuttle effect and sulfur loss challenge the development of high-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries. To address these limitations, a tailored approach is introduced using nickel phosphide carbon composite nanofibers (Ni _x P/C) with controlled surface oxidation layers. These nanofibers feature a hierarchical structure that leverages the benefits of nickel phosphide nanoparticles and a carbonaceous matrix to enable efficient sulfur encapsulation and suppress polysulfide diffusion. Comprehensive characterization and electrochemical testing reveal that Ni _x P/C, when employed as interlayers in a cell with a bio-waste-derived carbon-based sulfur cathode, significantly enhance electrochemical performance by increasing charge-discharge capacities and reducing charge-transfer resistance. Post-mortem analyses further show effective polysulfide trapping and conversion on the cathode side, preventing their shuttle to the anode, which results in a remarkable cycle stability of up to 200 cycles at 2C with a high discharge capacity of about 800 mA h g^-1. These findings confirm the potential of Ni _x P/C to improve lithium-sulfur battery technologies and demonstrate their applicability in diverse lithium-sulfur cell configurations.

SUBMITTER: Belgibayeva A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11565693 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature