Electrochemical Phase Evolution of Metal-Based Pre-Catalysts for High-Rate Polysulfide Conversion

In situ evolution of electrocatalysts is of paramount importance in defining catalytic reactions. Catalysts for aprotic electrochemistry such as lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries are the cornerstone to enhance intrinsically sluggish reaction kinetics but the true active phases are often controversial. Herein, we reveal the electrochemical phase evolution of metal-based precatalysts (Co4N) in working Li-S batteries that renders highly active electrocatalysts (CoSx). Electrochemical cycling induces the transformation from single-crystalline Co4N to polycrystalline CoSx that are rich in active sites. This transformation propels all-phase polysulfide-involving reactions. Consequently, Co4N enables stable operation of high-rate (10 C, 16.7 mAcm-2) and electrolyte-starved (4.7 µLmg-1s Li-S batteries. The general concept of electrochemically induced sulfurization is verified by thermodynamic energetics for most of low-valence metal compounds. © 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.