Minimal Sulfur-Grafted Graphite Anode with Accelerated Interfacial Kinetics for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

The significant capacity decay and undesired metallic Li plating of graphite anode resulting from sluggish Li-ion diffusion kinetics at the graphite/electrolyte interface have largely hindered the fast-charging capability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, fast-charging LIBs have been demonstrated by homogeneously grafting minimal sulfur species on the surface of a graphite anode based on a topological defect-engineering strategy. The introduced topological defects in the carbon lattice of graphite provide numerous reactive C=C bonds, which enable homogeneous and covalent grafting of sulfur species on the surface of graphite via simple free radical reaction. The resultant ultrathin artificial interphase coating can be preferentially reduced to Li2S during initial cycling, leading to the formation of a high Li-ion conductive solid electrolyte interphase film with decreased Li-ion desolvation and transfer barrier. By integrating this artificial interphase coating, the graphite anode exhibits a remarkable 2.7-fold enhancement in reversible capacity at a 4 C rate while maintaining 94.1% capacity retention over 800 cycles under 1 C conditions. Furthermore, when paired with a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode, the minimal sulfur-grafted graphite anode also demonstrates exceptional fast-charging performance, reaching an 80% state of charge within 8.7 min at a 4 C charging rate.