Open AccessEdge Engineering in 2D Molybdenum Disulfide: Simultaneous Regulation of Lithium and Polysulfides for Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Author(s) -
Yu Xiaoliang,
Liao Ting,
Tang Jie,
Zhang Kun,
Tang Shuai,
Gao Run-Sheng,
Lin Shiqi,
Qin Lu-Chang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced energy and sustainability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2699-9412
DOI - 10.1002/aesr.202100053
Subject(s) - molybdenum disulfide , materials science , electrochemistry , anode , molybdenum , nucleation , chemical engineering , lithium (medication) , separator (oil production) , sulfur , polysulfide , catalysis , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , electrode , composite material , organic chemistry , metallurgy , medicine , physics , engineering , thermodynamics , endocrinology , electrolyte
Polysulfides shuttling and lithium dendrite growth are two challenges confronting lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, edge engineering of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is proposed to simultaneously address these two issues. First, utilizing MoS 2 as a model material, theoretical calculations demonstrate the strong binding affinity of polysulfides to molybdenum edges and the robust electrovalent bonds between Li + and sulfur edges, thus predicting the multifunctional regulation capability of edge‐rich MoS 2 . Holey atomically thin MoS 2 ‐constructed nanobrushes (HATM‐NBs) are then prepared by a polar functionality‐assisted anchoring strategy. The functionality anchoring effectively inhibits longitudinal growth of 2D MoS 2 and more impressively facilitates formation of plentiful in‐plane nanopores due to the fast nucleation and growth. Spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques verify the superior adsorption/catalytic conversion of polysulfides by Mo edges and therefore accelerated redox reactions. The sulfur edge‐rich nanobrush structure promotes good contact with the lithium metal anode, homogenized Li + flux, and thus uniform lithium plating/stripping. A fabricated laminate cell with ultrathin HATM‐NBs‐coated separator demonstrates superior electrochemical performances even under harsh test conditions (high sulfur loading of 7.43 mg cm −2 and low E/S ratio of 5 mL g −1 ). The rational design of multifunctional edge‐rich 2D TMDs provides fresh insights for developing stable LSBs.