Band Structure and Spin‐State‐Induced Electronic Configuration Regulation for Efficient Sulfur Redox Reaction

Abstract Deciphering the relationship between electron configuration and catalytic activity is crucial for designing electrocatalysts that improve the efficient conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this study, amorphous ZnAl 2 O 4 (referred to as A‐ZnAl 2 O 4 ) is designed with a high oxygen vacancy concentration. Experimental and theoretical analysis confirm that the Zn tetrahedral sites are sufficiently exposed, and the catalytic activity is significantly enhanced due to a narrow bandgap and a high spin state achieved through low coordination numbers and a disordered structure. Both the enhancement in electron transfer efficiency and reduction in reaction energy barriers accelerate the multi‐phase transformation of LiPSs, resulting in impressive electrochemical performance with a capacity retention rate of 93.9% after 800 cycles at a high current density of 4 C. And the pouch battery with high sulfur loading of 4.5 mg cm −2 and lean electrolyte at 8 µL mg −1 exhibits high discharge capacity and stable cycling. This research deciphers the amorphization on modulating electronic structures to achieve enhanced electrocatalytic activity, providing a general strategy for designing unique atomic‐scale band structures and spin states in multifunctional electrocatalysts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2024-11-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202417730
Citations
21
Primary Topic
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.15

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article

Band Structure and Spin‐State‐Induced Electronic Configuration Regulation for Efficient Sulfur Redox Reaction

Renheng Wang, Fei Zhou, Long Qie, Yun Li et al.
21 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
2.15
article

Band Structure and Spin‐State‐Induced Electronic Configuration Regulation for Efficient Sulfur Redox Reaction

Renheng Wang, Fei Zhou, Long Qie, Yun Li, Jianwen Liu, Rong Zeng, Zhe Xiao, Zhiqi Gong
article en
21 citations

Abstract

Abstract Deciphering the relationship between electron configuration and catalytic activity is crucial for designing electrocatalysts that improve the efficient conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this study, amorphous ZnAl 2 O 4 (referred to as A‐ZnAl 2 O 4 ) is designed with a high oxygen vacancy concentration. Experimental and theoretical analysis confirm that the Zn tetrahedral sites are sufficiently exposed, and the catalytic activity is significantly enhanced due to a narrow bandgap and a high spin state achieved through low coordination numbers and a disordered structure. Both the enhancement in electron transfer efficiency and reduction in reaction energy barriers accelerate the multi‐phase transformation of LiPSs, resulting in impressive electrochemical performance with a capacity retention rate of 93.9% after 800 cycles at a high current density of 4 C. And the pouch battery with high sulfur loading of 4.5 mg cm −2 and lean electrolyte at 8 µL mg −1 exhibits high discharge capacity and stable cycling. This research deciphers the amorphization on modulating electronic structures to achieve enhanced electrocatalytic activity, providing a general strategy for designing unique atomic‐scale band structures and spin states in multifunctional electrocatalysts.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 35(12)
Shenzhen University (CN), Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN), Hubei University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Hubei University, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
2.15
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