Melt-diffusion and ion-exchange methods: self-triggered O-rich groups on the surface of acetylene black using S-EDA solution to boost its sulfur content for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Only a few studies have described the use of H-attacking S-EDA in nucleophilic substitution reactions to bind frameworks and sulfur in cathode materials, which is also known as the ion-exchange method. The pros and cons of this method are still unclear in relation to lithium-sulfur battery applications. Here, the influences of two synthetic routes, a melt-diffusion method and H reacting with S-EDA via nucleophilic substitution, on the morphologies and electrochemical properties of cathode materials are discussed in detail based on in situ XRD and other advanced technologies.