Heterojunction interlocked catalysis-conduction network in monolithic porous-pipe scaffold for endurable Li-S batteries

The development of high-performance Li-S batteries is impeded by polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling effect and slow conversion kinetics. Building durable catalyst systems with rational adsorption-catalysis-conduction configurations to alleviate these problems still remains a challenge. Herein, a novel heterojunction interlocked catalysis-conduction strategy is proposed to prepare monolithic porous-pipe scaffold for LiPS accommodation. Therein the Co terminal of Co/Mo2C heterostructure catalyzes the in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The Co-bridging effect reinforces the charge transfer from CNT to the catalytic Mo2C terminal of Co/Mo2C and avoids the coarsening of heterostructure nanodomains with superior anchoring and dispersing abilities. This high tap-density electrocatalytic scaffold (Co/Mo2[email protected]) without excessive carbon residue as separator modifier enables the excellent rate capability and long cycling stability of Li-S batteries even under the pouch cell configuration, high sulfur loading and decreased electrolyte amount. This work also provides a novel top-down method to prepare mesoporous host with built-in conductive network from simple compact precursor via C3N4 vapor modulation.