Tandem Conversion of Polysulfides via Coupling Ni Single–Atoms and Clusters for Na–S Batteries

J Jinjue Zeng (National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures (NLSSM) Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory For Nanotechnology College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China) T Tao Wang Z Zhipeng Sun (State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Production of Wheat-Maize Double Cropping, Agronomy College, Henan Agricultural University) C Chen Zhang (Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Physics) H Hanqing Gao (National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures (NLSSM) Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory For Nanotechnology College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China) X Xiangfen Jiang (State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education College of Material Science and Technology Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Nanjing China) L Lijun Yang (Ballard Power Systems Inc.) Y Yoshio Bando (Australian Institute for Innovative Materials University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia) X Xuebin Wang

Abstract

Abstract Lithium ion batteries have been trialed for grid−oriented energy storage, yet their large−scale implementation is theoretically limited by the global lithium resource reserve. Relying on abundant sodium and sulfur resources as well as cost−effectiveness, the sodium–sulfur battery is gaining recognition as a promising technology for next−generation grid−oriented energy storage. Nevertheless, their development has been restrained by the low conductivity and huge volume expansion of sulfur, the shuttle effect of polysulfides, and the dendrite growth of sodium. Herein, a host material, bifunctionally designed for both cathodes and anodes, is presented by coupling nickel single atoms and clusters on a nitrogen−doped porous carbon monolith. It accelerates polysulfides conversion kinetics and improves uniform sodium deposition, conferring excellent cycle duration and rate capability. It also allows fast electron and ion transports while alleviating the volume expansion. Consequently, the assembled sodium–sulfur battery demonstrates impressive cycle and rate performances, offering an attractive perspective for advancing durable sodium–sulfur batteries.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 6
Published January 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (9)

J

Jinjue Zeng

National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures (NLSSM) Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory For Nanotechnology College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China

T

Tao Wang

Z

Zhipeng Sun

State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Production of Wheat-Maize Double Cropping, Agronomy College, Henan Agricultural University

C

Chen Zhang

Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Physics

H

Hanqing Gao

National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures (NLSSM) Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory For Nanotechnology College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing China

X

Xiangfen Jiang

State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education College of Material Science and Technology Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Nanjing China

L

Lijun Yang

Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Y

Yoshio Bando

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia

X

Xuebin Wang