Controlled synthesis of cube-like ZnSnO3 decorated by nickel-based films and electrochemical applications on lithium-sulfur batteries

Transition metal oxide was considered as an effective cathode additive to depress 'shuttle effect' in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries via forming a strong polar chemical bond with polysulfides. Here, we firstly synthesized unique S@Ni/NiO/ZnSnO3 microcubes as composite cathodes for Li-S batteries, in which Ni/NiO films were deposited onto surface of as-prepared ZnSnO3 microcubes via a hydrothermal reaction and later calcinations process. The S@Ni/NiO/ZnSnO3 composite showed attractive electrochemical performances with a high initial discharge-specific capacity of 1070 mAh g(-1). After cycling up to 1000 cycles at 0.5 C, the as-prepared cathode still retained a capacity output of 379 mAh g(-1) with approximate 0.063% decay rate per cycle, indicating its excellent capacity retention. The excellent improved electrochemical properties of S@Ni/NiO/ZnSnO3 composite are attributed mainly to the synergistic effect between an accelerating reaction kinetic and a strong polar adsorption for polysulfides, which are derived from the addition of nickel-based materials and ZnSnO3 into cathodes.