Ultra-small TiO2 truncated octahedron nanocrystals with exposed index {1 0 1} facets modified separator for High-Performance Li-S batteries

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries is one of the most attractive candidates due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the effect caused by the dissolution of polysulfides (LiPSs) still prevent the real Li-S batteries commercialization. Herein, we developed the synthesis of ultra-small TiO2 truncated octahedron nanocrystals with exposed index {1 0 1} and {0 0 1} facets through a one-step hydrothermal method. The as-fabricated samples enable strong adsorption of LiPSs due to their greatly increased number of polar active sites, thus suppressing the shuttle effect. As expected, the TiO2-modified separator improves the rate performance and cycle stability.