Double-shelled ZnS@CoS2 nanocages with heterojunctions for high performance cathodes in lithium−sulfur batteries

The intelligent design of electrocatalytic sulfur host materials is an essential step to achieving high-performance lithium−sulfur (Li S) batteries. Herein, we report double-shelled ZnS@CoS 2 nanocages as sulfur hosts to electrocatalytically enhance sulfur cathode kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides . Combining theoretical calculations and experimental tests, we reveal that the built-in electric field formed at the ZnS@CoS 2 heterojunction is uniquely suited to promoting sulfur cathode electrochemistry; the double-shelled ZnS@CoS 2 nanocages facilitate Li + transport while at the same time enabling the immobilization and rapid electrocatalytic conversion of key polysulfides . Consequently, Li S cells prepared from ZnS@CoS 2 as sulfur host exhibit a high specific capacity (e.g., 1443 mA h g −1 at the current rate of 0.1 C) and an impressive cycling stability (e.g., an initial specific capacity of 801 mA h g −1 achieved at 2 C and 507 mA h g −1 retained after 650 cycles). Our new concept of designing a heterojunction to promote sulfur cathodic reactions can be potentially extended to other contemporary energy-storage systems. • ZnS@CoS 2 nanocages with well controlled structure were synthesized. • The built-in electric field accelerates Li + migration across the interfaces in the ZnS@CoS 2 nanocages. • The heterointerface suppresses shuttle effect and enhances cathode kinetics. • A general route for designing heterostructured materials as sulfur hosts is proposed.