The sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) plays a central role in high-capacity lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The SRR involves an intricate, 16-electron conversion process featuring multiple lithium polysulfide intermediates and reaction branches1–3. Establishing the complex reaction network is essential for rational tailoring of the SRR for improved Li-S batteries, but represents a daunting challenge4–6. Herein we systematically investigate the electrocatalytic SRR to decipher its network using the nitrogen, sulfur, dual-doped holey graphene framework as a model electrode to understand the role of electrocatalysts in acceleration of conversion kinetics. Combining cyclic voltammetry, in situ Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, we identify and directly profile the key intermediates (S8, Li2S8, Li2S6, Li2S4 and Li2S) at varying potentials and elucidate their conversion pathways. Li2S4 and Li2S6 were predominantly observed, in which Li2S4 represents the
Background
On the occasion of awarding the Gold Medal 2020 to Ford Motor Company, the World Environment Center convened an Executive Roundtable to learn from leaders in the transportation sectors about their efforts to drive sustainability in transportation and discuss further efforts required in the years ahead for mobility systems change. This Roundtable was designed to share goals and strategies, and to lead the global decarbonization efforts in mobility.
Participants:
Automotive: Bob Holycross, Chief Sustainability, Environment & Safety Officer,
Ford Motor Company
Total
IBM
Jacobs
ERM
moderated by Glenn Prickett, President & CEO, World Environment Center
The Roundtable was held virtually in a webinar format, with approx. 30 senior executives from WEC member