Ultrathin MgB2 nanosheet-modified polypropylene separator for high-efficiency lithium-sulfur batteries.

[Display omitted] • The ultrathin MgB 2 nanosheets were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation technology. • MgB 2 @PP as separator contributes to the adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides and inhibits the shuttle effect. • MgB 2 @PP as separator significantly improves the sulfur utilization, high specific capacity and cycle stability in Li-S batteries. The separator is an important component in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, the conventional polypropylene (PP) separators have the problem of easy shuttling of lithium polysulfide (LiPSs). Herein, ultrathin magnesium boride (MgB 2) nanosheets were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted exfoliation technology, and were suction-filtered onto a separator to serve as a separator modification layer. The introduction of a microporous structure into MgB 2 nanosheets after ultrasonic peeling increases the specific surface area and pore volume, with more adsorption sites, which can fully utilize the surface adsorption/catalytic performance of MgB 2 for LiPSs and accommodate the volume expansion of lithium sulfide (Li 2 S). Therefore, MgB 2 @PP as a separator significantly improves the sulfur utilization and cycle stability in Li-S batteries. When the MgB 2 @PP separator is used, the reversible specific capacity of the assembled Li-S battery at 0.1 C (current rate) is 1184 mAh/g, and the specific capacity at 2 C is 732 mAh/g. After 500 cycles at 2 C, it remains at 497 mAh/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]