Nanofiber-Confined 2H-NbSe₂ With a Li₂S Activation Interface for 10 C Fast-Charging Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

The uncontrolled shuttle of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and sluggish Li₂S conversion kinetics critically limits the high-rate performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. To overcome this, a flexible carbon nanofiber-confined 2H-NbSe₂ membrane (2H-NbSe₂@CNFM) is developed as an electrocatalytic membrane reactor (NS@MR) to construct a Li₂S activation interface for precise modulation of terminal sulfur species. The ABA-stacked layered structure of 2H-NbSe₂ enables strong Li–Se interactions and orbital hybridization, thereby enhancing LiPSs adsorption. Simultaneously, delocalized Nb d-electrons and anisotropic Se–Se channels facilitate electron and Li⁺ transport while lowering the nucleation and decomposition barriers of Li₂S. In situ XRD and Raman characterizations confirm the bidirectional catalytic capability of the activation interface in promoting efficient Li₂S precipitation and dissolution. Consequently, the NS@MR-modified Li–S battery delivers a 27.6% increase in sulfur utilization at 0.2 C and achieves 608.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C. A high areal capacity of 5.27 mAh cm⁻² is obtained in pouch cells with a 4.4 mg cm⁻² sulfur loading. Moreover, two such cells in series successfully power a 61-LED array. This work offers atomic-level insights into catalytic interface design for high-power Li–S batteries.

Keywords

2H-NbSe₂ / carbon nanofiber confined membrane / high-rate Li–S batteries / Li₂S Activation Interface / Li₂S deposition/dissolution

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2025 The Author(s). EcoEnergy published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of China Chemical Safety Association.