The slow redox kinetics and severe shuttle effect caused by the diffusion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely hinder the practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The construction and utilization of… Click to show full abstract
The slow redox kinetics and severe shuttle effect caused by the diffusion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely hinder the practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The construction and utilization of catalytic electrode materials are promising strategies to effectively suppress shuttle effect and accelerate redox kinetics of sulfur species. This work reports a simple hydrothermal‐ultrasonic combined method to construct conductive titanium carbide quantum dots (Ti3C2 QDs) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (Ti3C2 QDs@CNTs composites) as efficient electrocatalysts for Li–S batteries. Based on the analysis of dynamic evolutions of Ti3C2 QDs catalysts and sulfur species, Ti3+ and Ti4+ species can be identified as active species that accelerate Li2S nucleation and dissociation. Due to the abundant catalytic active sites from Ti3C2 QDs, Ti3C2 QDs@CNTs effectively catalyze the conversion of LiPSs. Moreover, the conductive CNTs matrix and Ti3C2 QDs significantly enhance charge transport, allowing for rapid Li+/electron transfer. As a result, Ti3C2 QDs@CNTs/S electrode exhibits high initial capacity, good rate capability, and improved long‐term cyclability. This work provides a promising strategy to introduce QDs into the cathode of Li–S battery to achieve better electrochemical performance.
               
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