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.
Authors
- Renheng Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0946-7830)
- Fei Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1488-8349)
- Long Qie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1693-5911)
- Yun Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1753-7317)
- Jianwen Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4929-1075)
- Rong Zeng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6555-9273)
- Zhe Xiao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9141-5476)
- Zhiqi Gong
Institutions
- Shenzhen University (CN)
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Hubei University (CN)
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
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Hubei University
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Program