Expediting Sulfur Reduction/Evolution Reactions with Integrated Electrocatalytic Network: A Comprehensive Kinetic Map
Jinmeng Sun, Yuhang Liu, Lei Liu, Song He, Zhuzhu Du, Ke Wang, Linghai Xie, Hongfang Du, Wei Ai
Abstract
Electrocatalysts are considered the most promising candidates in ameliorating the slow kinetics of Li–S batteries (LSBs), however, the issue of insufficient catalytic capability remains to be addressed. Herein, we report an integrated catalytic network comprising graphitic carbon-encapsulated/bridged ultrafine NiCoP embedded in N, P-codoped carbon (GC-uNiCoP@NPC) as a highly competent catalyst for sulfur-based species conversions. By profiling the evolution map of Li–S chemistry via operando kinetic analyses, GC-uNiCoP@NPC is demonstrated to possess versatile yet efficient catalytic activity for sulfur reduction/evolution reactions, especially the rate-determining heterogeneous phase transitions. As a result, GC-uNiCoP@NPC enables high capacity and stable cycling of sulfur cathode under high areal loading and lean electrolyte. Moreover, pouch cells assembled under practical conditions present promising performance with a specific energy of 302 Wh kg –1 . This work not only conceptually expands the catalyst design for LSBs but also provides a comprehensive insight into the catalyst performance for Li–S chemistry.