Core-shell and hollow meso@microporous carbon derived from ZIF-8 @CMK-3 composites for Li-S batteries

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2023-02, Vol.934, p.167861, Article 167861
• Main Authors: Liu, Qianqian, Wang, Xiaomian, Wei, Yinghui, Liu, Junjie, Cheng, Miao, Wang, Lu, Li, Yabing, Wu, Jianfeng, Wei, Tao, Hu, Jing, Ling, Yun, Liu, Bo, Li, Wanfei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core-shell structures; Hollow carbons; Lithium-sulfur batteries; Shuttle effect; Sulfur immobilizer
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.167861

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted much attention because of their potential as a new technology for high-energy batteries. However, the “shuttle effect” of polysulfide intermediates and poor conductivity of sulfur active species limit the development of Li-S batteries. Herein, a novel core-shell and hollow meso@microporous carbon matrix (ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3) is designed, which wraps N-doped carbon shell in the outer layer of ordered mesoporous CMK-3 through in-situ carbonization of thin zeolitic-imidazolate framework ZIF-8 layer. The combination of advantages of unique pore size, N-doping and core-shell architecture renders the resultant carbon matrix with enhanced electron/Li+ transport and the synergistic chemical/physical polysulfide anchoring. As a result, ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3 @S exhibits high reversible capacity (1597.2 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 C) and well stability (596 mAh/g after 300 cycles at 2 C), and the fading rate per cycle capacity is 0.11%. The results indicated ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3 has a great potential to be used as efficient sulfur immobilizer for Li-S batteries. [Display omitted] •Core-shell and hollow meso@microporous ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3 is designed as an efficient sulfur host.•ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3 has an enhanced electron/Li+ transport and strong adsorption towards lithium polysulfides.•ZIF-8(C)@CMK-3 @S exhibits excellent rate and cycling capability.