AUTHOR=Zhang Weiqi , Zhang Wenchao , Yao Jing , Lu Huiqing , Zhang Xitian , Wu LiLi 

TITLE=Mixed-dimensional V2CTx/Ti3C2Tx composite interlayer to boost electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2022.1020538

DOI=10.3389/fchem.2022.1020538

ISSN=2296-2646

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Abstract:</bold> A mixed-dimensional V<sub>2</sub>CT<sub>x</sub>/Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> composite interlayer was successfully prepared to tackle severe polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. In the unique nanoarchitecture, two-dimensional Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> nanosheets served as a stable skeleton with superb electronic conductivity, good mechanical strength, and high polysulfide adsorption, whereas one-dimensional V<sub>2</sub>CT<sub>x</sub> nanorods played a crucial role in chemisorbing LiPSs and catalyzing the conversion of LiPSs due to their high polarity and electrocatalysis. With the synergistic effect of V<sub>2</sub>CT<sub>x</sub> and Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> composite nanostructures, the cells with the mixed-dimensional V<sub>2</sub>CT<sub>x</sub>/Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> composite interlayer showed an impressive long-term cycling stability and small capacity decay rate of 0.062% per cycle over 600 cycles at 1 C and exhibited an outstanding rate capability of 935.3 mAh·g<sup>−1</sup> at 2 C.</p>