Nd2O3 composite binder in cathodes to accelerate Li-ion transfer in lithium-sulfur cathodes

Lithium-sulfur batteries that utilize polymer electrolytes can significantly reduce polysulfide shuttling, offer high safety, and represent a promising energy storage solution. However, constructing efficient ion transport pathways at the electrode/electrolyte interface and within the cathode of solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries remains challenging. In this study, we proposed a polymer electrolyte made from a poly (vinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) matrix with neodymium trioxide (Nd 2 O 3 ) nanorods as fillers. This polymer electrolyte slurry was incorporated into the cathode to establish a lithium-ion pathway between the electrode and the electrolyte. The potential difference between Nd 2 O 3 and the carbon layer generates an internal electric field, facilitating the formation of a smooth lithium-ion transport channel in a solid-state environment. We visualized these lithium-ion transport channels across the cathode interface using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in an electric field. Simultaneously, the abundant oxygen vacancies in Nd 2 O 3 can interact with carbon groups in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), promoting the formation of [Li(DMF) x ] + complexes. This interaction effectively reduces the radicalized DMF and enhances lithium-ion (Li + ) conduction. As a result, the solid-state lithium-sulfur battery demonstrated excellent cycling performance at room temperature, achieving a specific capacity of 940.8 mAh g −1 at a rate of 0.1C. This work contributes valuable insights for developing solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with improved compatibility at electrode/electrolyte interfaces.