A Radical-Cationic Covalent Organic Framework to Accelerate Polysulfide Conversion for Long-Durable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising metal-free sulfur hosts to facilitate the conversion kinetics and suppress the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, constructing COFs with stable and high electrocatalytic functionality for LiPS conversion remains unexplored. Herein, we develop a radical-cationic COF (R-TTF•+-COF) with superior electrical conductivity of 3.9 S m-1 at room temperature, which features both nucleophilic and electrophilic sites for effective LiPS chemisorption and conversion. With this novel radical-based catalyst, the Li-S battery achieves superior longevity of 1500 cycles with a capacity fading of 0.027% per cycle at a current density of 0.5 C. The capacity retention of the Li-S battery based on R-TTF•+-COF at the current density of 2.0 C is nearly twice as high compared to a COF without radicals. The crucial role of radical cations in catalyzing LiPS conversion has been systematically elucidated through solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and theoretical simulations, which verify the reversible interactions between LiPSs and [TTF]2•+ moieties. This intriguing radical-assisted mechanism opens a new avenue for designing efficient catalytic sulfur hosts using organic molecules, offering a significant step toward the practical application of Li-S batteries.