Mo2C Embedded Carambola-Like N,S-Rich Carbon framework as interlayer material for High-Rate Lithium-Sulfur Batteries in Wide Temperature Range.

The insulating nature of sulfur/Li2S and heavy shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) hinder the commercialization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. To address such issues, we designed and synthesized a porous carambola-like N,S-doped carbon framework embedded with Mo2C particles (designed as N,S-Mo2C/C-ACF) as interlayer material to block polysulfides shuttle and behave as a catalytic reactor for LiPSs conversion. The modified separator of polypropylene (PP) functionalized by N,S-Mo2C/C-ACF, showing ultrafast wetting ability to electrolyte and high lithium ions (Li+) conductivity, proves to be highly effective for inhibiting polysulfides shuttle and simultaneously promoting the reutilization of adsorbed LiPSs. When used in Li-S batteries by coupling with Super P/sulfur cathode, over a wide temperature range of 5 to 55 degrees C, the as-fabricated batteries delivered excellent rate capability and long cycle stability. Especially, with high rate of 5 C, discharge capacities of 405, 630 and 670 mAh gs-1 were achieved when tested at 5, 30, and 55 , respectively. The remarkable wide-temperature performance is appealing for extended practical application of Li-S batteries.