Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macro/Mesoporous Nb(2)O(5)/Nb(4)N(5) Heterostructure as Sulfur Host for High-Performance Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

The severe shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides hinders the development of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, we develop a three-dimensionally ordered macro/mesoporous (3DOM) Nb(2)O(5)/Nb(4)N(5) heterostructure, which combines the strong adsorption of Nb(2)O(5) and remarkable catalysis effect of Nb(4)N(5) by the promotion “adsorption-transformation” mechanism in sulfur reaction. Furthermore, the high electrocatalytic activity of Nb(4)N(5) facilitates ion/mass transfer during the charge/discharge process. As a result, cells with the S-Nb(2)O(5)/Nb(4)N(5) electrode delivered outstanding cycling stability and higher discharge capacity than its counterparts. Our work demonstrates a new routine for the multifunctional sulfur host design, which offers great potential for commercial high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries.