Abstract

A versatile approach is achieved through the surface coating of sulfur on alpha-Fe2O3 nanosheet by microwave treatment that inherently supports the formation of self-induced active solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer which effectively protects the electrode surface and enhances the cyclic stability of lithium-ion battery. The present findings on a sulfur-coated alpha-Fe2O3@S-2 core-shell structured anode demonstrates an initial specific capacity of 1194 mAh g(-1) at a 0.1 C rate, and an average discharge capacity of 518 mAh g(-1) over 20 cycles. Sulfur coating proves the incredible development of an active SEI layer that prevents electrolyte decomposition and the electrode persuades with stable capacity, fast rate capability and retains excellent coulombic efficiency for 500 cycles in LIB. GITT measurements exhibit superior Li+ ion diffusion coefficient D-Li+= 2.87x10(-10) cm(2) s(-1) at 80 % SOC for the alpha-Fe2O3@S-2 electrode. The in-depth ex-situ evaluations uncovered a fascinating self-assembled active Li2SO4 electrode-electrolyte interface formation in the sulfur-coated alpha-Fe2O3 electrode that contributes interfacial kinetics. The sulfur coated alpha-Fe2O3 electrode exhibits an exceptional high-rate performance and coulombic efficiency even in lithium-sulfur battery. This research overthrows sulfur's significance in forming an active interfacial bridging SEI layer that facilitates lithium-ion kinetics across the interface and alleviates undesirable SEI development.