Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Atomic Layers for Lithium Polysulfides Electrocatalysis

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) chemistry is projected to be one of the most promising for next-generation battery technology, and controlling the inherent "polysulfide shuttle" process has become a key research topic in the field. Regulating intermediary polysulfide dissolution by understanding the metamorphosis is essential for realizing stable and high-energy-density Li–S batteries. As of yet, a clear consensus on the basic surface/interfacial properties of the sulfur electrode has not been achieved, although the catalytic phenomenon has been shown to result in enhanced cell stability. Herein, we present evidence that the polysulfide shuttle in a Li–S battery can be stabilized by using electrocatalytic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Physicochemical transformations at the electrode/electrolyte interface of atomically thin monolayer/few-layer TMDs were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic analysis techniques. Preferential adsorption of higher order liquid polysulfides and subsequent conversion to lower order solid species in the form of dendrite-like structures on the edge sites of TMDs have been demonstrated. Further, detailed electrochemical properties such as activation energy, exchange current density, rate capabilities, cycle life, etc. have been investigated by synthesizing catalytically active nanostructured TMDs in bulk quantity using a liquid-based shear-exfoliation method. Unveiling a specific capacity of 590 mAh g–1 at 0.5 C rate and stability over 350 cycles clearly indicates yet another promising application of two-dimensional TMDs.