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Fundamental mechanistic insights into the catalytic reactions of Li-S redox by Co single-atom electrocatalysts via operando methods

Journal Article · · Science Advances
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [1];  [3];  [1]
  1. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (United States)
  2. Yonsei University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)
  3. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)
Lithium-sulfur batteries represent an attractive option for energy storage applications. A deeper understanding of the multistep lithium-sulfur reactions and the electrocatalytic mechanisms are required to develop advanced, high-performance batteries. We have systematically investigated the lithium-sulfur redox processes catalyzed by a cobalt single-atom electrocatalyst (Co-SAs/NC) via operando confocal Raman microscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The real-time observations, based on potentiostatic measurements, indicate that Co-SAs/NC efficiently accelerates the lithium-sulfur reduction/oxidation reactions, which display zero-order kinetics. Under galvanostatic discharge conditions, the typical stepwise mechanism of long-chain and intermediate-chain polysulfides is transformed to a concurrent pathway under electrocatalysis. In addition, operando cobalt K-edge XAS studies elucidate the potential-dependent evolution of cobalt’s oxidation state and the formation of cobalt-sulfur bonds. Our work provides fundamental insights into the mechanisms of catalyzed lithium-sulfur reactions via operando methods, enabling a deeper understanding of electrocatalysis and interfacial dynamics in electrical energy storage systems.
Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0012704
OSTI ID:
2204608
Report Number(s):
BNL--224956-2023-JAAM
Journal Information:
Science Advances, Journal Name: Science Advances Journal Issue: 33 Vol. 9; ISSN 2375-2548
Publisher:
AAASCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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