One-pot synthesis of N,S-doped pearl chain tube-loaded Ni ₃ S ₂ composite materials for high-performance lithium–air batteries

To improve the high reversibility of lithium-air batteries, an air electrode needs to have excellent electrochemical performance and spatial structure. Ni3S2 nanoparticles are loaded onto an N,S-doped pearl chain tube (N,S-PCT) by a method called quasi-chemical vapor deposition (Q-CVD). Additionally, N and S are doped during the synthesis process, thereby forming an ideal pipe rack-like structure. The large amount of space in the tube rack can provide sufficient storage to act as a buffer for the discharge products, and the interconnected tubes can effectively promote the dispersion of O2 and electrolyte. The addition of Ni3S2 nanoparticles effectively reduces the charge transfer resistance, thereby increasing the electron mobility of the cathode. Ni3S2@N,S-PCT cathodes effectively improve the cycling and high-rate performance of lithium-air batteries, demonstrating an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 16 733.7 mA h g-1 at a current density of 400 mA g-1 and an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 5088.1 mA h g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1. When the cut-off capacity is 1000 mA h g-1, the battery with the Ni3S2@N,S-PCT-800 electrode can achieve cycling stability for 148 cycles. This research provides a new solution for the design of lithium-air batteries with high electrocatalytic performance.