Full Potential Catalysis of Co0.4Ni1.6P–V/CNT with Phosphorus Vacancies for Li2S1–2 Deposition/Decomposition and S8/Li2Sn (3 ≤ n ≤ 8) Conversion in Li–S Batteries

The slow kinetics of polysulfide conversions hinders the commercial progress of Li-S batteries. The introduction of high-efficiency catalysts accelerates heterogeneous reactions and enhances the utilization of S. The full potential of the Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT-modified separator catalyzes the all-process reactions of the S electrode and increases the rates and cycling lives of the batteries. The two-site synergistic effect of Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT regulates the catalytic activity, and the phosphorus vacancies enrich the active sites. The higher electron density at the Co and Ni double sites increases chemisorption of the Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT on Li2Sn (1 ≤ n ≤ 4), stretches and breaks the Li-S and Ni-S bonds during Li2S decomposition, and reduces the energy barrier for Li2S decomposition. The cyclic voltammograms of the asymmetric batteries demonstrated that Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT also catalyzed the Li2Sn ⇌ S8 (3 ≤ n ≤ 8) reaction, realizing the full catalytic potential of the Li-S batteries. Increased Li+ diffusion/migration in the Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT-modified separator ensured fast electrochemical reactions. The excellent catalytic effect of Co0.4Ni1.6P-V/CNT provided smaller polarization and superior rate performance, which led to high discharge specific capacities of 1511.9, 1172.6, 1006.0, 881.0, and 785.7 mA h g-1 at current densities of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 mA cm-2 with sulfur loadings of 7.98 mg cm-2, respectively. This approach involving simple crystal modulation and introduction of defects provides a new way to achieve the full catalytic potential of Li-S batteries.