Fe(2)P-decorated N,P Codoped Carbon Synthesized via Direct Biological Recycling for Endurable Sulfur Encapsulation

[Image: see text] In spite of the great potential in leading next-generation energy storage technology, Li–S batteries suffer rapid capacity decay arising from the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), a major concern that must be addressed before commercialization can be realized. To tackle this challenge, we demonstrate a facile approach to fabricate a hierarchically structured composite of Fe(2)P@nitrogen, phosphorus codoped carbon (Fe(2)P@NPC) by direct biological recycling of iron metal from electroplating sludge using bacteria. This material, featuring uniform dispersion of Fe(2)P nanoparticles (NPs) in porous NPC matrix, effectively adapts volume variation of sulfur upon cycling and simultaneously provides multiple channels for efficient lithium ion transport. In addition, Fe(2)P NPs with strong adhesion properties of tightly anchored soluble LiPSs formed during discharge can significantly facilitate the decomposition of Li(2)S during the subsequent charging process. The Li–S cell built on this cathode architecture delivers high specific capacity (1555.7 mAh g(–1) at 0.1 C), appreciable rate capability (679.7 mAh g(–1) at 10 C), and greatly enhanced cycling performance (761.9 mAh g(–1) at 1.0 C after 500 cycles).