Exploring the Superior Anchoring Performance of the Two-Dimensional Nanosheets B2C4P2 and B3C2P3 for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

ABSTRACT

Potential anchoring materials in lithium-sulfur batteries help overcome the shuttle effect and achieve long-term cycling stability and high-rate efficiency. The present study investigates the two-dimensional nanosheets B2C4P2 and B3C2P3 by employing density functional theory calculations for their promise as anchoring materials. The nanosheets B2C4P2 and B3C2P3 bind polysulfides with adsorption energies in the range from -2.22 to -0.75 and -2.43 to -0.74 eV, respectively. A significant charge transfer occurs from the polysulfides, varying from -0.74 to -0.02e and -0.55 to -0.02e for B2C4P2 and B3C2P3, respectively. Upon anchoring the polysulfides, the band gap of B3C2P3 reduces, leading to enhanced electrical conductivity of the sulfur cathode. Finally, the calculated barrier energies of B2C4P2 and B3C2P3 for Li2S indicate fast diffusion of Li when recharged. These enthralling characteristics propose that the nanosheets B2C4P2 and B3C2P3 could reduce the shuttle effect in Li-S batteries and significantly improve their cycle performance, suggesting their promise as anchoring materials.