Expediting the electrochemical kinetics of 3D-printed sulfur cathodes for Li–S batteries with high rate capability and areal capacity

3D printing has stimulated burgeoning interest in customized design of sulfur cathodes for Li–S batteries targeting advanced electrochemical performances. Nevertheless, the prevailing 3D-printed sulfur electrodes are solely based on carbonaceous materials; constructing electrocatalyst-equipped cathode to help expedite sulfur redox kinetics remains unexplored thus far. Herein, we develop a free-standing sulfur cathode via 3D printing using hybrid ink encompassing sulfur/carbon and metallic LaB6 electrocatalyst. Such unique architectures with optimized Li+/e− transport and ample porosity are in favor of efficient polysulfide regulation. Accordingly, an initial capacity of 693 mAh g−1 can be achieved at 6.0C accompanied by a low capacity fading rate of 0.067% per cycle over 800 cycles (with a sulfur loading of 1.5 mg cm−2). To envisage practical applications, elevated sulfur loadings from 3.3 to 9.3 mg cm−2 are further evaluated. Our study marks the first-time investigation on the introduction of efficient electrocatalyst into the printable ink for the construction of 3D-printed Li–S battery harnessing high rate capability and areal capacity.