Hierarchical TiO(2) spheres as highly efficient polysulfide host for lithium-sulfur batteries

Hierarchical TiO(2) micron spheres assembled by nano-plates were prepared through a facile hydrothermal route. Chemical tuning of the TiO(2) through hydrogen reduction (H-TiO(2)) is shown to increase oxygen-vacancy density and thereby modifies the electronic properties. H-TiO(2) spheres with a polar surface serve as the surface-bound intermediates for strong polysulfides binding. Under the restricting and recapturing effect, the sulfur cathode could deliver a high reversible capacity of 928.1 mA h g(−1) after 50 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(−1). The H-TiO(2) additive developed here is practical for restricting and recapturing the polysulfide from the electrolyte.