Novel functional separator with MoO2 nanosheets for advanced electrochemical performance in Li–S battery.

The shuttle effect of the polysulfide is a main bottleneck to hamper the wide application of the lithium-sulfur batteries. Therefore, it is important to inhibit the shuttle effect of the soluble polysulfide. In this work, a novel functional separator modified by MoO₂ nanosheets (MONSs) is presented for overcoming this problem. Benefiting from the strong adsorption and catalytic activity of the MoO₂ nanosheets, the polysulfide redox kinetics are greatly improved and the shuttle effect is also inhibited. Accordingly, the Li–S batteries with MONS-modified separator deliver high capacity of 1246 mAh/g at 0.05 C, perfect rate performance, and stable cycling performance. This work will open up great opportunities in the development of MoO₂-modified separator for advanced Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]