Fig. 2: Improved Air stability for L6CO@S.

a TEM image and corresponding EDS elemental mapping of L6CO@S (scale bar, 100 nm). b Cryo–TEM images of the sulfur coating layer on L6CO@S (scale bar, 20 nm). c In situ XRD spectra of L6CO@S during the first charge process (0.1 C, 1 C = 600 mA g⁻¹). d Optical images of L6CO and L6CO@S powders before and after 72 h storage in air (30% relative humidity, RH). e Mass evolution of L6CO and L6CO@S upon exposure to ambient air (30% RH) for varying durations. f XRD patterns of L6CO and L6CO@S powders before and after 12 h exposure to air (30% RH). g Evolution of specific capacities of L6CO and L6CO@S upon exposure to ambient air (30% RH) for varying durations. h Contact angle measurements between water droplets and the surfaces of L6CO and L6CO@S, which were compressed to pellets under 6 MPa pressure prior to testing. i, Calculated adsorption energies of H₂O and CO₂ molecules on the surface of L6CO and on the sulfur layer of L6CO@S.