Lithium-sulfur batteries have remained a promising technology in the future of energy storage because of their incredibly high energy densities and low cost, but the complexity of the solution-state mechanism that occurs in the charge/discharge process has compromised cyclic life (<100 cycles), conductivity of the cathode, and utilization of active materials. The cathode of the lithium-sulfur battery has long been the focal point of research because it is the source of most problems, including the notorious phenomenon known as the polysulfide shuttle. In the latest issue of ACS Nano, researchers at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences released a paper on nanostructured carbon materials that greatly improve performance of the lithium-sulfur cathode.

Advantages of lithium sulfur batteries (LSB)

LSBs are significantly higher in energy density. The sulfur cathode has a theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh/g, while the theoretical capacity of a typical lithium-ion cathode (LiFePO 4 ) is 170 mAh/g. Additionally, LSBs have an incredibly high theoretical gravimetric energy density of 2500 Wh/kg (vs. 570 Wh/kg of lithium-ion).

LSBs are one of the lightest rechargeable batteries. The weight of batteries is particularly important in electric vehicles since it affects range. Lighter batteries would result in higher EV range.

Sulfur is the 10 th most abundant element and is considered to be waste by many industries.

LSBs are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries because of their use of sulfur.

What is holding lithium sulfur batteries back?

LSBs have an incredibly short life. Due to the complex mechanism, many issues arise during continuous charge/discharge cycles and result in rapid performance degradation.

Sulfur is insulating.

Active materials are not utilized efficiently.

Latest developments...