Catalytic Oxidation of K<sub>2</sub>S via Atomic Co and Pyridinic N Synergy in Potassium–Sulfur Batteries
Chao Ye, Jieqiong Shan, Dongliang Chao, Pei Liang, Yan Jiao, Junnan Hao, Qinfen Gu, Kenneth Davey, Haihui Wang, Shi‐Zhang Qiao
Abstract
Potassium–sulfur batteries hold practical promise for next-generation batteries because of their high theoretical gravimetric energy density and low cost. However, significant impediments are the sluggish K2S oxidation kinetics and a lack of atomic-level understanding of K2S oxidation. Here, for the first time, we report the catalytic oxidation of K2S on a sulfur host with Co single atoms immobilized on nitrogen-doped carbon. On the basis of combined spectroscopic characterizations, electrochemical evaluation, and theoretical computations, we show a synergistic effect of dynamic Co–S and N–K interactions to catalyze K2S oxidation. The resultant potassium–sulfur battery exhibited high capacities of 773 and 535 mAh g–1 under high current densities of 1 and 2 C, respectively. These findings provide atomic-scale insights for the rational design of highly efficient sulfur hosts.