Ni 3 FeN functionalized carbon nanofibers boosting polysulfide conversion for Li-S chemistry.

Limiting the shuttle effect of polysulfides is an important means to realizing high energy density lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S). In this study, an efficient electrocatalyst (CNFs@Ni 3 FeN) is synthesized by anchoring Ni 3 FeN in the carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The CNFs@Ni 3 FeN shows electrocatalytic activity and enhances the conversion of polysulfides. After assembling a battery, a high initial capacity (1452 mA h g -1 ) and favorable long-time cycling stability (100 cycles) with a capacity retention rate of 83% are obtained by the electrocatalysis of Ni 3 FeN. Compared with unmodified CNFs, the cycling stability of CNFs@Ni 3 FeN can be greatly improved. The catalytic mechanism is further deduced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our work will inspire the rational design of CNFs@support hybrids for various electrocatalysis applications.