Enhanced redox kinetics based on Mo2C-C/Fe3C electrocatalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries

Due to high energy density and theoretical capacity, lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation secondary batteries. Nevertheless, sluggish redox reaction kinetics and irreversible capacity loss limit its commercial application. Herein, Mo2C-C/Fe3C composite with synergistic effect serving as host material for Li–S batteries is reported. The strong polar chemical adsorption capacity of Mo2C and its synergistic catalytic effect with Fe3C nanoparticles effectively inhibit the shuttle effect and improve the utilization of active substances. Meanwhile, the carbon substrate acts as a conductive network to achieve rapid charge transfer. Mo2C-C/Fe3C electrode material combining high electrical conductivity, valid catalytic activity, and strong polar chemisorption ability exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. The Mo2C-C/Fe3C cathode based on Li–S batteries delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1203.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 587.1 mAh g−1 at 2 C.