Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry ›› 2022, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (4): 513-527.DOI: 10.19894/j.issn.1000-0518.210331

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Recent Progress of Single⁃Atom Catalytic Materials for Lithium⁃Sulfur Batteries

WANG-Xin, ZHANG-Dong(), DU-Fei()   

  1. Key Laboratory of Physics and Technology for Advanced Batteries,Ministry of Education,College of Physics,Jilin University,Changchun 130012,China
  • Received:2021-07-08 Accepted:2021-10-19 Published:2022-04-01 Online:2022-04-19
  • Contact: ZHANG-Dong, DU-Fei
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21771086);Jilin Provincial Department of Education “13th Five-Year” Scientific Research Project(JJKH20211034KJ)

Abstract:

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, in practical applications, low conductivity of sulfur and lithium sulfide, dissolution of polysulfides (LIPSs), and poor conversion of LIPSs to Li2S2/Li2S result in the short lifespan and low rate performance of Li-S batteries. Recent studies show that single-atoms (SAs) with superior catalytic activities are ideal anchoring centers and catalytic sites for LIPSs. Modification of cathodes and separators with SAs helps to adsorb polysulfide, improve reaction kinetics and inhibit the shuttle effect. In addition, introduction of SAs into the anode can significantly improve the reversibility of Li deposition/stripping and inhibit the growth of dendrites. In this paper, we review the research progress of SAs in lithium-sulfur batteries, including material synthesis, characterization methods, application direction and catalytic mechanism. Finally, the key challenges and future developmental trends of SAs are summarized and discussed.

Key words: Lithium-sulfur batteries, Shuttle effect, Single atom, Polysulfide conversion

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