MXene-supported dense cobalt phosphide nanoparticles as cathode for enhanced cycle stability in lithium-sulfur batteries

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2025.05.034

Abstract

Abstract: A major challenge hindering the large-scale commercialization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries lies in the sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfides. This study proposes a microstructure design strategy that involves loading densely dispersed CoP nanoparticles onto the surface of MXene layered materials. MXene not only provides a large specific surface area to support a high density of active CoP nanoparticles, but also offers excellent conductivity and abundant surface functional groups that serve as additional reactive sites. Furthermore, the densely dispersed CoP nanoparticles not only function as the major active sites, but also effectively prevent the self-stacking of MXene sheets, thereby enhancing the microstructural stability. Compared to the coin cells assembled with individual CoP or MXene materials, the battery made by CoP-MXene composite cathode exhibits significantly enhanced performance, maintaining a high discharge specific capacity of 632 mA·h·g^-1 after 200 cycles at a high current density of 2 C. This study provides a novel approach for designing cathode materials for Li-S batteries.

Key words: Li-S battery, CoP, MXene, Nanomaterials, Catalysis, Electrochemistry

摘要： A major challenge hindering the large-scale commercialization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries lies in the sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfides. This study proposes a microstructure design strategy that involves loading densely dispersed CoP nanoparticles onto the surface of MXene layered materials. MXene not only provides a large specific surface area to support a high density of active CoP nanoparticles, but also offers excellent conductivity and abundant surface functional groups that serve as additional reactive sites. Furthermore, the densely dispersed CoP nanoparticles not only function as the major active sites, but also effectively prevent the self-stacking of MXene sheets, thereby enhancing the microstructural stability. Compared to the coin cells assembled with individual CoP or MXene materials, the battery made by CoP-MXene composite cathode exhibits significantly enhanced performance, maintaining a high discharge specific capacity of 632 mA·h·g^-1 after 200 cycles at a high current density of 2 C. This study provides a novel approach for designing cathode materials for Li-S batteries.

关键词: Li-S battery, CoP, MXene, Nanomaterials, Catalysis, Electrochemistry

Rui Xue, Runfan Zheng, Yanyan Xie, Jing Li, Zidong Wei. MXene-supported dense cobalt phosphide nanoparticles as cathode for enhanced cycle stability in lithium-sulfur batteries[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2025, 86(10): 243-253.

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