Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Co ₃ O ₄ /ZnO Heterostructures on Graphene Aerogels for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

This study reports an electrocatalytic cathode material (Co 3 O 4 /ZnO@RGO) constructed by integrating a bimetallic oxide heterojunction (Co 3 O 4 /ZnO) with a porous conductive reduced graphene oxide aerogel for lithium–sulfur batteries. This design aims to enhance the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries through interfacial catalysis and accelerated electron transport. The three-dimensional porous graphene aerogel network provides stable support for charge carriers while constructing rapid electron transport pathways for sulfide species, effectively mitigating volume expansion and accelerating charge migration. Meanwhile, the Co 3 O 4 /ZnO heterostructure serves as an adsorption and catalytic center for lithium polysulfides, accelerating the redox reaction kinetics of sulfur species while suppressing the shuttle effect. The Co 3 O 4 /ZnO@RGO electrode delivered an initial discharge capacity of 1590 mAh g –1 at 0.1C and maintained a reversible capacity of 1079 mAh g –1 after 250 cycles. At an E/S ratio of 7.5 μL mg –1 and 1C, the cathode exhibited a low capacity decay rate of 0.15% per cycle over 400 cycles. In addition, at a sulfur loading of 3 mg cm –2 and 5C, it still delivered a reversible capacity of 320 mAh g –1, demonstrating the robustness of the heterostructure/aerogel design and its promise for the development of advanced lithium–sulfur batteries.