Hierarchically structured catalytic and adsorptive ZnS-modified carbon microtubule interlayers for lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium -sulfur batteries (LSBs) with ultra -high theoretical specific capacity and energy density have been hampered in practical applications owing to the severe shuttle effect and sluggish multi -electron redox kinetics. In this work, self -supported ZnS@CCC with a multilevel structure was prepared and employed as a cathodic insertion layer to simultaneously achieve the roles of physical hindrance, chemical adsorption and catalytic conversion, which in turn effectively suppresses the shuttle effect and accelerates the kinetics of the polysulfide reaction. ZnS@CCC provides abundant catalytic sites as well as extended electrode lifespan, enabling LSBs to exhibit an ultra -high initial specific capacity of 1296 mAh g-1 at 0.1C, superior rate performance of 658 mAh g-1 at 4C, and stable 900 cycling at 0.5C with a decay rate of 0.04 % per cycle. At a low temperature of 0 degrees C, the LSBs also deliver an extraordinary performance of 600 cycles with a decay rate of only 0.02 % per cycle attributed to the presence of ZnS@CCC. This research provides a convenient strategy for the preparation of multifunctional interlayers at low cost for the practical application of the LSBs.