Advances and prospects of g-C <sub>3</sub>N <sub>4</sub> in lithium-sulfur batteries
Hong Yin, Jing He, Bo Xiao, Miao Zhou, Wei Wang, Joåo Cunha, Zuxin Chen, Zhaohui Hou, Tianqi Zhang, Zhipeng Yu
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high-energy-density storage systems due to their superior energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, several critical challenges impede their practical application, including the shuttle effect, low conductivity, and volume expansion. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>), with its unique structure and properties, offers potential advantages in catalysis, polarization inhibition, electron conductivity, and sulfurization resistance, which may address these issues. This review concentrates on applying g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> material to enhance Li-S battery performance. The research progress on g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> in this context is explored from two primary perspectives: the modification of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> itself and its compounding with other materials. Regarding the modification of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, the focus is on defect engineering and the nanocrystallization of its structure. In terms of composites, the review examines the use of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> doped with metals, non-metals, graphene, porous carbon, and heterojunctions in electrodes and electrolytes. Ultimately, this review proposes strategies for the rational design of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> materials to optimize their application in Li-S batteries. Reviewing the current research progress and trends aims to provide new insights and directions for future research in the field.