Co@MXene-derived TiO₂ heterostructure decorated on folic acid-derived carbon sheets was designed as a functional separator coating for Li−S batteries. The heterostructures exhibit excellent adsorption capabilities and catalytic effects on LiPSs, effectively inhibiting shuttle effect and accelerating redox kinetics. Thus, the Li−S battery with optimum modified separator shows high specific capacities, excellent cycling performance under high load, and ascendant rate performance.

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li−S) batteries are one of the most potential new energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹) and high energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹). However, the application of Li−S batteries is currently restricted due to the dissolution of polysulfides in the electrolyte, which leads to the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Here, we present a Co@MXene-derived TiO₂ heterostructure decorated on carbon sheets derived from folic acid (Co@M-TiO₂/C) as a functional separator coating to trap polysulfide and accelerate redox kinetics in Li−S batteries. The interconnected porous structure with good electrical conductivity of the heterostructure boasts rapid ion diffusion and efficient electron transfer within the battery. By attaching Co and MXene-derived dual-phased TiO₂ to two-dimensional carbon sheets, heterostructures are formed, ensuring complete exposure of the active sites. These heterostructures exhibit catalytic effects on LiPSs and excellent adsorption capabilities, effectively inhibiting the shuttle effect and accelerating the redox kinetics. Considering these advantages, the Li−S battery with the optimized Co@M-TiO₂/C modified separator demonstrates a high specific capacity of 1481.7 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C, superior rate performance of 855.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 C, and excellent cycling performance under a high sulfur load of 4.4 mg cm⁻².