Polysulfide Immobilization and Sulfur Conversion Kinetics Promotion via a Tetrathiafulvalene–Crown Ether COF@Graphene Layer for High‐Rate Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
ABSTRACT The rational design of conversion‐kinetics‐promoting framework architectures offers a powerful strategy to overcome the polysulfide shuttling and sluggish conversion kinetics that limit lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Here, we report a new covalent organic framework, TUS‐44, constructed from tetrathiafulvalene‐based 4,4',4'',4'''‐([2,2'‐bi(1,3‐dithiolylidene)]‐4,4',5,5'‐tetrayl)tetraaniline and benzo[18]crown‐6‐derived 4,4′,4′′,4′′′‐(6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21‐octahydrodibenzo[ b , k ][1,4,7,10,13,16]hexaoxacyclooctadecine‐2,3,13,14‐tetrayl) tetrabenzaldehyde linkers. The resulting imine‐linked, π‐conjugated framework integrates heteroatom‐rich coordination sites within an electron‐delocalized π‐conjugated backbone, establishing a hierarchical, site‐specific interaction network (N > O > S) that governs Li + coordination, polysulfide anchoring, and dynamic charge redistribution. When coupled with conductive graphene to form an interfacial TUS‐44@G architecture, the hybrid layer functions as a chemisorptive, conversion‐kinetics‐promoting interface that regulates soluble polysulfides, facilitates interfacial charge‐transfer, and stabilizes intermediate species throughout cycling. This synergistic chemical–electronic coupling yields remarkable electrochemical performance: a high reversible capacity of 1455.7 mA h g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 , excellent rate capability of 773 mA h g −1 at 10 A g −1 , and outstanding durability with 0.034% capacity fading per cycle over 1000 cycles at 5 A g −1 . A Li–S pouch cell incorporating TUS‐44@G further delivers an outstanding initial energy density of ∼674 Wh kg −1 at 0.05 A g −1 (sulfur loading 44.558 mg), underscoring the practical potential of architecting conversion‐catalytic framework interfaces for high‐energy, durable Li–S batteries.
Authors
- Mika Nozaki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6518-3815)
- Dequan Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1276-6236)
- Yuichi Negishi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3965-1399)
- Kai Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1745-9136)
- Saikat Das (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7869-4231)
- Tsukasa Irie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5253-3341)
- Tokuhisa Kawawaki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3282-8964)
- Kohki Sasaki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4749-518X)
- Yujun Fu
- Samim Reza
- Deyan He (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1628-0356)
- Ranjit Thapa
Institutions
- Tohoku University (JP)
- Lanzhou University of Technology (CN)
- SRM University (IN)
- Lanzhou University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2026-06-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.74240
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency