Design towards recyclable micron-sized Na<sub>2</sub>S cathode with self-refinement mechanism.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39557850.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-54316-9 and PMC identifier 11573996.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
Sodium sulfide (Na<sub>2</sub>S) as an initial cathode material in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries is conducive to get rid of the dependence on Na-metal anode. However, the micron-sized Na<sub>2</sub>S that accords with the practical requirements is obstructed due to poor kinetics and severe shuttle effect. Herein, a subtle strategy is proposed via regulating Na<sub>2</sub>S redeposition behaviours. By the synergistic effect from both conductive structure and cuprous sulfide (Cu<sub>2</sub>S) catalysis, the micron-sized Na<sub>2</sub>S particles are broken down and redeposited to nano-size during the initial cycle which can be fully utilized in subsequent cycles. Consequently, the Na<sub>2</sub>S/CPVP@Cu<sub>2</sub>S||Na cell delivers excellent cyclability (670 mAh g<sub>S</sub><sup>-1</sup> after 500 cycles) with a remarkable average Coulombic efficiency over 99.7% and rate capability (480 mAh g<sub>S</sub><sup>-1</sup> at 4 A g<sub>S</sub><sup>-1</sup>). Besides, the Na-free anodes are used to prove the application prospects. This work provides an innovative idea for utilizing micron-sized Na<sub>2</sub>S and offers insights into its conversion pathway.