NiS/NiCo2O4 Cooperative Interfaces Enable Fast Sulfur Redox Kinetics for Lithium–Sulfur Battery

Due to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered highly promising for the next generation of energy storage technologies. However, the soluble lithium-polysulfides (LiPSs) notorious for causing the shuttle effect and the sluggish redox kinetics have hindered their practical commercialization. To tackle these challenges, a heterostructural catalyst featuring NiS-NiCo2 O4 interfaces is developed, which serves as an interlayer for LSBs. These interfacial sites leverage the advantages of polar NiCo2 O4 and conductive NiS, enabling smooth Li+ diffusion, rapid electron transport, and effective immobilization of LiPSs. This synergistic approach promotes the conversion of sulfur species, resulting in a high discharge capacity of 526 mAh g-1 at 3 C for cells with the NiS-NiCo2 O4 interlayer. Additionally, remarkable cycling stability is achievable with an areal sulfur loading of ≈5.0 mg cm-2 . It is believed that this research paves the way for practical applications of LSBs.