Rational design and low-cost fabrication of multifunctional separators enabling high sulfur utilization in long-life lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

Highlights A multifunctional separator is designed to improve sulfur utilization in the Li-S battery. Hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres are used to functionalize the separator. The proposed nanosphere is prepared via the self-assembly of extremely-small nanocrystals. The newly-designed separator achieves effective trapping and fast conversion of polysulfide. The Li-S battery produces an ultra-long cycle life and a high areal capacity.