A matryoshka-like CuS@void@Co3O4 double microcube-locked sulfur as cathode for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract Lithium-sulfur battery cathodes still remain a challenge on capacity decay due to the shuttle effect even though a series of strategies have been tried. Here we report a novel matryoshka-like CuS@void@Co3O4 architecture of double micro-cubes (μ-cubes) that locks sulfur between the CuS core and the Co3O4 shell. Plenty of existing spaces between the μ-cubes suffice a high loading of sulfur and volumetric accommodation. The robust, double closed cubes configuration greatly enhances the confinement of polysulfides. In parallel, the CuS core increases the electronic conductivity and contributes to additional capacity, while the Co3O4 shell ensures a better interface activity. A high Li+ ion diffusion coefficient is obtained during the sulfur and lithium sulfide transformation. The constructed battery displays an initial capacity up to 1480 mAh g−1, and a Coulombic efficiency (CE) exceeding 99%. A capacity retention higher than 500 mAh g−1 with a CE larger than 99.8% after cycling 400 times at 0.2 C are achieved. In addition, under a temperature of −5 °C, a high capacity of 700 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 200 cycles is achieved, indicating a good low-temperature tolerance.