Oxygen vacancy enhanced catalytic oxidation of H2S based on ZnO-incorporated N-doped hollow carbon nanofibers for cathode construction for high-performance Li–S batteries†
Minghui Sun, Xuzhen Wang, Xingliang Ji, Lei Qin, Zongbin Zhao and Jieshan Qiu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
As one of the most toxic pollutants, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is hazardous to human health and the environment. Selective oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur (S) over carbon-based catalysts has emerged as an interesting solution owing to the advantages of low reaction temperature (20–30 °C), high desulfurization efficiency and accuracy. Interestingly, the produced carbon–sulfur composites could be directly used as cathodes for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, a carbon-based catalyst consisting of nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanofiber (NHCF) loading oxygen-deficient ZnO (Od-ZnO/NHCFs) is fabricated to achieve this integrated application. The oxygen vacancy in Od-ZnO/NHCFs is able to enhance the chemisorption of H2S and generates a ZnO/ZnS heterostructure; besides, it can enrich O2˙− radicals through electrostatic interaction to improve the catalytic oxidation of adsorbed H2S to elemental sulfur. Meanwhile, the hollow framework of NHCFs enables rapid gas diffusion and adequate storage space for solid sulfur; thus, the in situ construction of a high S-loading cathode (S@Od-ZnO/ZnS/NHCFs) for LSBs is realized during the desulfurization process. More importantly, the formed ZnO/ZnS heterostructure can boost the electrochemical kinetic behavior in the discharge/charge processes of LSBs. Coupled with the physical confinement of hollow structures on polysulfides, the as-prepared S@Od-ZnO/ZnS/NHCF cathode exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance in LSBs. This work opens up a new avenue for the synergistic application of high-performance LIB electrodes for the control and conversion of sulfur-containing pollutants.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B & C covers a wide range of high-quality studies in the field of materials chemistry, with each section focusing on specific applications of the materials studied. Journal of Materials Chemistry A emphasizes applications in energy and sustainability, including topics such as artificial photosynthesis, batteries, and fuel cells. Journal of Materials Chemistry B focuses on applications in biology and medicine, while Journal of Materials Chemistry C covers applications in optical, magnetic, and electronic devices. Example topic areas within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A include catalysis, green/sustainable materials, sensors, and water treatment, among others.