Surface design for high ion flux separator in lithium-sulfur batteries

Addressing the shuttle effect is a critical challenge in realizing practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries. One promising avenue refers to the surface modification of separators, transitioning them from closed to open structures. In the current investigation, a high ion flux separator was devised by means of MnO₂ self-assembly onto a Porous Polypropylene (PP) separator, subsequently coupling it with biochar. The separator exhibited favorable ion and electronic conductivity. Moreover, it adeptly captured and transformed polysulfides into Li₂S₂/Li₂S, cyclically curbing the mobility of Polysulfide lithium (LiPSs). In addition, this augmentation in the kinetic conversion of LiPSs during the electrochemical process translated into an impressive discharge specific capacity and area capacity of 939 mAh/g and 4 mAh cm^-2, respectively. Moreover, this innovative design methodology provides an alternative avenue for future separator designs within lithium-sulfur batteries.