Density Functional Theory Studies on Tuning TaXTi(1-X)S2 For Insoluble
Li2S2-Li2S Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Abstract
Due to the complexity of insoluble Li2S2-Li2S conversion, few
descriptors exist to correlate the catalytic performance and the
underlying electronic structures of a given catalyst, which inhibits the
development of lithium−sulfur catalysts. In this article, we employ the
cluster expansion method to select 17 optimal structures for
TaXTi(1-X)S2 (0≤X≤1) and apply density functional theory calculations to
probe the electronic structures and the conversion of Li2S2 to Li2S
relationships across different doping concentrations. We found the
simultaneous pathway is most possible in propose five possible reaction
pathways. Notably, we identify Ta0.38Ti0.62S2 as a promising candidate
for electrocatalytic applications in the conversion from Li2S2 to Li2S.
Furthermore, our study analyzes the charge transfer of Li2S2(QLi2S2 )),
the electronegative difference(ΔX), the adsorption energy of
Li2S(EaLi2S)), and work function(WF) significantly influence the
conversion process from Li2S2 to Li2S by machine learning based on
various descriptors. This research contributes to a deeper theoretical
understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the Li2S2-Li2S
conversion and provides valuable insights into the rational design of
sulfur redox catalysts.