Engineering Cooperative Catalysis in Li–S Batteries

摘要

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded to be one of the most promisingnext-generation batteries owing to the merits of high theoretical capacity andlow cost. However, the aprotic S electrochemistry is hampered by the shuttlingeffect and sluggish conversion of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Variouselectrocatalysts have been designed to optimize the conversion kinetics of theLiPSs. Heteroatom doping or polar catalyst incorporation plays an importantrole to remedy these shortcomings. Here, the cooperative catalytic effectsengendered by heteroatom codoping engineering, catalyst/heteroatom dopingcomposite strategy, and integrating polar-metal-based material design aresummarized. First, the design principles of the cooperative catalytic effect onthe conductive interface are described in detail. Moreover, a systematicinvestigation of electrocatalytic kinetics characterization techniques thatestablish a bridge between the cooperative solid–liquid interface and themacroscopic electrochemical performance is highlighted, providing morescientific guidance for the catalyst design. In conclusion, stemming from thecurrent achievements, future directions targeting the high-energy-density Li–Sbatteries for commercialization are proposed.