Enhancing Metal-Sulfur Batteries with Single Atom Catalysts and Graphitic Carbon Nitride: Addressing the Polysulfide Shuttle Effect

Metal-sulfur batteries, including lithium-sulfur batteries, have attracted significant attention as promising energy storage systems. However, the presence of the polysulfide shuttle effect poses a major challenge, which leads to poor cycling stability and limited capacity retention. This research focuses on the exploration of novel strategies to overcome this issue and improve the performance of metal-sulfur batteries. One effective approach to mitigate this effect is the utilization of single atom catalysts. These catalysts have demonstrated promising results in enhancing the cell performance of metal-sulfur batteries, particularly in terms of higher C-rates and improved capacity retention. By providing active sites for polysulfide adsorption and conversion, single atom catalysts effectively trap and immobilize polysulfide intermediates, preventing their dissolution and subsequent migration between counter electrodes.<br/>In this study, we investigated the incorporation of Fe, Co, and Ni single atom catalysts onto a carbon substrate for metal-sulfur batteries. Specifically, we explored the use of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and reduced graphitic carbon nitride (r-g-C₃N₄) as suitable carbon substrates for sulfur and single atom catalysts. These materials possess desirable properties such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and good chemical stability, making them ideal candidates for enhancing the cathode performance of metal-sulfur batteries. Through systematic characterization and electrochemical testing, we will demonstrate the performance of metal-sulfur batteries that incorporate single atom catalysts and graphitic carbon nitride in the cathode. The effect of dispersed single atom catalysts in the suppression of polysulfide migration, as well as the cycling stability and prolonged capacity retention of metal-sulfur batteries, will be described.<br/>Overall, our findings will highlight the potential of single atom catalysts and graphitic carbon nitride as effective strategies to address the polysulfide shuttle effect in metal-sulfur batteries. This research aims to contribute to the advancement of energy storage technologies, paving the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable battery systems.