N doped FeP nanospheres decorated carbon matrix as an efficient electrocatalyst for durable lithium-sulfur batteries.

[Display omitted] Rational design and synthesis of multifunctional electrocatalysts with high electrochemical activity and low cost are significantly important for new-generation lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, N -doped FeP nanospheres decorated N doped carbon matrix is successfully synthesized by facile one-pot pyrolysis and in-situ phosphorization technique to mitigate the conversion kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect. The large specific surface area with mesopores can incorporate up to 81.5% sulfur, with the conductive carbon and nitrogen co-matrix providing Li+/e- passage and fastening the redox kinetics. The remarkable adsorption properties and the electrocatalytic activity through physical confinement and chemical immobilization is thoroughly verified. Consequently, the FeP/C N@S deliver a high reversible capacity of 1183 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C compared to Co/P/C N@S (961 mAh g−1); whereas, at 1 C, a negligible decay rate of 0.04% is observed for 1000 cycles, possessing outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. Hence, the cost-effective in-situ phosphorization strategy to synthesize FeP/C N@S as an efficient nanoreactor is constructive to be applied in Li-S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]