Front Cover: Carbon Neutralization, Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2023

Front cover image: Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) with a “solid-solid” conversion mechanism in carbonated-based electrolyte eradicating the polysulfides shutting issue is considered as an ideal cathode for stabilizing lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics and low sulfur content of the SPAN limits its practical application. In article number CNL261, the MoS₂ doped SPAN (MoS₂@SPAN) is demonstrated to accelerate the solid-solid conversion kinetics of SPAN for high-power and long-life Li-S batteries. Benefitting from the accelerated lithium-ion transfer rate, a fast ion transport channel and enhanced redox reaction kinetics of sulfur to Li₂S₂/Li₂S is realized via MoS₂ catalysis, and excellent electrochemical performance is achieved. This work provides a reliable strategy for the design of SPAN cathode in high-rate and long-term Li-S batteries.