Kinetic Evaluation on Lithium Polysulfide in Weakly Solvating Electrolyte toward Practical Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are highly considered as next-generation energy storage techniques. Weakly solvating electrolyte with low lithium polysulfide (LiPS) solvating power promises Li anode protection and improved cycling stability. However, the cathodic LiPS kinetics is inevitably deteriorated, resulting in severe cathodic polarization and limited energy density. Herein, the LiPS kinetic degradation mechanism in weakly solvating electrolytes is disclosed to construct high-energy-density Li-S batteries. Activation polarization instead of concentration or ohmic polarization is identified as the dominant kinetic limitation, which originates from higher charge-transfer activation energy and a changed rate-determining step. To solve the kinetic issue, a titanium nitride (TiN) electrocatalyst is introduced and corresponding Li-S batteries exhibit reduced polarization, prolonged cycling lifespan, and high actual energy density of 381 Wh kg^-1 in 2.5 Ah-level pouch cells. This work clarifies the LiPS reaction mechanism in protective weakly solvating electrolytes and highlights the electrocatalytic regulation strategy toward high-energy-density and long-cycling Li-S batteries.