Constructing MIL-101(Cr) membranes on carbon nanotube films as ion-selective interlayers for lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

It is of significant importance to suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect for the commercial application of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, continuous MIL-101(Cr) membranes were successfully fabricated on carbon nanotube films utilizing a simple in situ growth method, aiming at constructing interlayer materials for inhibiting the shuttle effect. Owing to the suitable pore aperture and super electrolyte wettability, the as-developed MIL-101(Cr) membrane can effectively inhibit the shuttle behaviour of polysulfides while allowing the fast transport of Li-ions simultaneously, working as an ionic sieve. Additionally, this MOFs membrane is also helpful in accelerating the polysulfide catalytic conversion. Therefore, the proposed interlayer delivers an extraordinary rate capability, showing a remarkable capacity of 661.9 mAh g−1 under 5 C. Meanwhile, it also exhibits a high initial capacity of 816.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C and an exceptional durability with an extremely low capacity fading of 0.046% per cycle over 500 cycles.