biostudies-literatureXu LNatural Science Foundation of Yunnan ProvinceNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaYunnan University6930-6937https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8982135biostudies-literatureUnknown12(11)Limiting the shuttle effect of polysulfides is an important means to realizing high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S). In this study, an efficient electrocatalyst (CNFs@Ni₃FeN) is synthesized by anchoring Ni₃FeN in the carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The CNFs@Ni₃FeN shows electrocatalytic activity and enhances the conversion of polysulfides. After assembling a battery, a high initial capacity (1452 mA h g^-1) and favorable long-time cycling stability (100 cycles) with a capacity retention rate of 83% are obtained by the electrocatalysis of Ni₃FeN. Compared with unmodified CNFs, the cycling stability of CNFs@Ni₃FeN can be greatly improved. The catalytic mechanism is further deduced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XRSC advancesNi₃FeN functionalized carbon nanofibers boosting polysulfide conversion for Li-S chemistry.PMC89821352019FY0030232018FA02852064049Xu LLi HGuo HZhao GWang HSun YfalseNi₃FeN functionalized carbon nanofibers boosting polysulfide conversion for Li-S chemistry.Limiting the shuttle effect of polysulfides is an important means to realizing high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S). In this study, an efficient electrocatalyst (CNFs@Ni₃FeN) is synthesized by anchoring Ni₃FeN in the carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The CNFs@Ni₃FeN shows electrocatalytic activity and enhances the conversion of polysulfides. After assembling a battery, a high initial capacity (1452 mA h g^-1) and favorable long-time cycling stability (100 cycles) with a capacity retention rate of 83% are obtained by the electrocatalysis of Ni₃FeN. Compared with unmodified CNFs, the cycling stability of CNFs@Ni₃FeN can be greatly improved. The catalytic mechanism is further deduced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (X2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Feb2025-04-25T22:59:24.253Z2025-04-06T09:12:52.219ZS-EPMC89821353542458810.1039/d1ra09041k