02 February 2024 | Wanqing Song, Xinyi Yang, Tao Zhang, Zechuan Huang, Haozhi Wang, Jie Sun, Yunhua Xu, Jia Ding & Wenbin Hu
This article presents a strategy for optimizing potassium polysulfides (KPSs) to enhance the performance of potassium-sulfur (KSB) batteries. The research focuses on designing a composite of tungsten single atoms (W_SA) and tungsten carbide (W₂C) in a nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) framework, which provides dual functionalities for KPSs migration and conversion. The composite is synthesized through a metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor, where W_SA and W₂C nanocrystals are formed during pyrolysis. The W₂C nanocrystals act as catalytic sites for KPSs conversion, while W_SA facilitates sulfide migration, reducing insulating sulfide accumulation and catalytic poisoning. This design enables high sulfur utilization (89.8%), superior rate capability (1059 mAh g⁻¹ at 1675 mA g⁻¹), and long cycling stability (200 cycles at 25 °C). The study highlights the importance of synergistic interactions between W_SA and W₂C in improving KSB performance by addressing challenges such as sluggish KPSs conversion, shuttling, and solid end-product decomposition. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterization confirm the effectiveness of the composite in enhancing sulfur redox kinetics and durability. The results demonstrate the potential of this strategy for developing high-performance KSBs with high energy density and long lifespan.This article presents a strategy for optimizing potassium polysulfides (KPSs) to enhance the performance of potassium-sulfur (KSB) batteries. The research focuses on designing a composite of tungsten single atoms (W_SA) and tungsten carbide (W₂C) in a nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) framework, which provides dual functionalities for KPSs migration and conversion. The composite is synthesized through a metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor, where W_SA and W₂C nanocrystals are formed during pyrolysis. The W₂C nanocrystals act as catalytic sites for KPSs conversion, while W_SA facilitates sulfide migration, reducing insulating sulfide accumulation and catalytic poisoning. This design enables high sulfur utilization (89.8%), superior rate capability (1059 mAh g⁻¹ at 1675 mA g⁻¹), and long cycling stability (200 cycles at 25 °C). The study highlights the importance of synergistic interactions between W_SA and W₂C in improving KSB performance by addressing challenges such as sluggish KPSs conversion, shuttling, and solid end-product decomposition. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterization confirm the effectiveness of the composite in enhancing sulfur redox kinetics and durability. The results demonstrate the potential of this strategy for developing high-performance KSBs with high energy density and long lifespan.