Accelerating Sulfur Conversion Kinetics by Topological Semimetal Electrocatalysts Pd<sub>3</sub>Sn for High‐performance Li‐S Batteries
Yuhao Zhang, Xiuquan Zhang, Guo Liu, Meixia Su, Yuan Lin, Haiqing Jiang, Y.Y. Li, Qingfeng Wu, Tianyu Wu, Shuocheng Qiu, Kun Tao, Erqing Xie, Zhenxing Zhang
Abstract
Abstract The shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) significantly impede the practical application of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. Topological semimetals (TSMs) offer a promising solution to these challenges due to their unique topological surface states. This study synthesizes reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐loaded Pd 3 Sn TSMs (Pd 3 Sn@rGO) that are prepared by the NaBH 4 reduction method. The obtained Pd 3 Sn@rGO composite has a notably stronger adsorption capability for LiPSs than pure rGO verified by adsorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The topological surface states of Pd 3 Sn facilitate the acceptance of electrons from Li 2 S 6 during the adsorption process, thereby enhancing adsorption and accelerating redox reactions. Furthermore, Li 2 S deposition experiments confirm the effective catalytic role of Pd 3 Sn@rGO in the nucleation process of Li 2 S. Consequently, Li‐S batteries with Pd 3 Sn@rGO modified separators showcase exceptional rate performance across various current densities along with impressive cycling stability (decay rate of 0.0598% per cycle at 1C). This work highlights the capability of Pd 3 Sn in catalyzing sulfur redox reactions and underscores the potential of other TSM electrocatalysts in enhancing the performance of Li‐S batteries.