Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising candidates for next generation electrical energy storage devices due to their high specific energy. Despite intense research, there are still a number of technical challenges in developing a high performance Li-S battery. To elucidate the issues, an all solid-state Li-S battery was fabricated using Li 3 PS 4 solid electrolyte. Most of the theoretical capacity of sulfur, 1600 mAhg −1 was attained in the initial discharge-charge cycles with a high coulombic efficiency approaching 99%. To verify the benefit of the solid state electrolyte, galvanostatic stripping-deposition tests were also carried out on a symmetrical Li/Li cell and compared with those of a liquid electrolyte (1 M-lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) in a mixture of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL)-diethoxyethane (DEE)). The kinetics and thermodynamics of the solid-state cell are discussed from the viewpoint of the charge transfer processes. This study demonstrates both the merits and drawbacks of using the solid sulfide electrolyte in a Li-S battery and facilitates the further improvement of this important high energy storage device. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are attracting growing interest owing to their high specific energy above 3000 Whkg −1 (active material). However, before this technology can be used in practice, there are some significant challenges to overcome, including red-ox shuttle of polysulfides as well as poor lithium cycle performance.The polysulfide redox shuttle originates from the dissolution of the cathode material into the organic electrolyte. So far, various approaches have been suggested to solve the red-ox shuttle issue. LiNO 3 is a well-known additive for optimizing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium metal electrode, such as to block the deposition of polysulfides.1,2 An ionommer (e.g., Nafion) has also been proposed for preventing the polysulfide migration 3 and a buffer solution containing polysulfides can facilitate a good cycle ability as well. 4 The poor lithium cycle performance is due to the consumption of lithium metal during the charge-discharge process. It is well known that the lithium cycling response is primarily determined by the type of electrolyte to which it is in contact. 5,6 In the development of lithiummetal secondary batteries the Figure of Merit (FOM) is the parameter used to evaluate the lithium cycling ability. 5,6 Although lithium metal has a high specific capacity of 3862 mAhg −1 , its effective degree of utilization (i.e., the lithium loss relative to the amount of total input lithium metal) has to be taken into account. Generally, a valid parameter to determine the cycle ability of the lithium anode is the efficiency. For instance, it is difficult to achieve an efficiency higher than 99% for lithium cycling in a typical liquid electrolyte cell due to losses during its dissolution-deposition reaction. Therefore, the improvement of the FOM of a liquid electrolyte Li-S battery has been a major challenge to enhance the charge-disc...
Broader contextThis new lithium ion battery is composed of a N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluoro-sulfonyl)imide (Pyr 14 FSI) lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) IL-electrolyte, Sn-C nanocomposite Li-alloying anode and LiFePO 4 olivine cathode. The non-volatile, poorly-flammable electrolyte is advantageously selected based on a comparative study of various ILs differing by the chemical structure, while the anode and cathode are considered very promising electrodes in terms of cycle life, interface stability, energy content and rate capability. The battery delivers a reversible capacity of about 160 mA h g À1 at a working voltage of about 3 V, and an estimated practical energy of about 160 W h kg À1 for over 2000 cycles. Such outstanding cycle life, high efficiency and rate capability as well as the expected low environmental impact and high safety content suggest the application of the studied battery in new-generation electric and electronic devices.
In the field of lithium-based batteries, there is often a substantial divide between academic research and industrial market needs. This is in part driven by a lack of peer-reviewed publications from industry. Here we present a non-academic view on applied research in lithium-based batteries to sharpen the focus and help bridge the gap between academic and industrial research. We focus our discussion on key metrics and challenges to be considered when developing new technologies in this industry. We also explore the need to consider various performance aspects in unison when developing a new material/technology. Moreover, we also investigate the suitability of supply chains, sustainability of materials and the impact on system-level cost as factors that need to be accounted for when working on new technologies. With these considerations in mind, we then assess the latest developments in the lithium-based battery industry, providing our views on the challenges and prospects of various technologies.
Carefully selecting the transition metal dopant in consideration of its redox potential allows for further increased energy and power densities.
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