A nano rod-like α-MnO2 supported on carbon nanotubes modified separator inhibiting polysulfide shuttle in Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted enormous attentions as new-generation energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density , high theoretical specific capacity, low cost and environmental friendliness. However, polysulfide shuttle and the growth of lithium dendrites significantly restrain the practical application of the Li-S batteries. In this work, a modified PP separator with nanoscale rod-like α-MnO 2 supported on carbon nanotubes was prepared. The α-MnO 2 @CNT modified separator can effectively inhibit the shuttle of polysulfide , enhance the electrochemical activity and accelerate the transfer of ions and electrons. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that α-MnO 2 @CNT can efficiently adsorb and catalyze the conversion of polysulfides. Due to these advantages, the α-MnO 2 @CNT-based Li-S battery delivers a initial discharge capacity of 1469 mAh g −1 at 0.05 C, 1039 mAh g −1 at 0.5 C and the capacity can still maintain 648 mAh g −1 over 500 cycles at 0.5 C (capacity decay rate of 0.075%). Expressly, the capacity decay rate is only 0.022% after 600 cycles at a high current density of 2 C. The excellent performance could be attributed to the α-MnO 2 @CNT modified separator not only accelerating the transmission of electrons but also effectively inhibiting the shuttle of polysulfides. Moreover, this work provides a better idea for practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries in the future.