Lithium-sulfur batteries to offer high performance with new Korean method

Researchers in South Korea have developed a novel dual-level engineering strategy using metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers embedded with low-coordinated cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co–N3 moieties) to significantly improve lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery performance. This approach addresses key limitations of Li–S batteries, such as the polysulfide shuttle effect, slow redox kinetics, and rapid capacity fading, by enhancing ionic conductivity, electrolyte wettability, and accelerating lithium polysulfide adsorption and conversion. The integration of macro- and atomic-level design optimizes both the carbon substrate structure and catalyst environment, resulting in improved redox kinetics and suppression of polysulfide dissolution. The resulting material is flexible, binder-free, and mechanically robust, suitable for direct application as an interlayer in pouch cells, maintaining integrity even under bending. This advancement paves the way for high-performance Li–S batteries with potential applications in electric vehicles with longer driving