Anode Material Options Toward 500 Wh kg⁻¹ Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is identified as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to its ultra‐high theoretical energy density up to 2600 Wh kg−1. However, Li metal anode suffers from dramatic volume change during cycling, continuous corrosion by polysulfide electrolyte, and dendrite formation, rendering limited cycling lifespan. Considering Li metal anode as a double‐edged sword that contributes to ultrahigh energy density as well as limited cycling lifespan, it is necessary to evaluate Li‐based alloy as anode materials to substitute Li metal for high‐performance Li–S batteries. In this contribution, the authors systematically evaluate the potential and feasibility of using Li metal or Li‐based alloys to construct Li–S batteries with an actual energy density of 500 Wh kg−1. A quantitative analysis method is proposed by evaluating the required amount of electrolyte for a targeted energy density. Based on a three‐level (ideal material level, practical electrode level, and pouch cell level) analysis, highly lithiated lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy is capable to achieve 500 Wh kg−1 Li–S batteries besides Li metal. Accordingly, research on Li–Mg and other Li‐based alloys are reviewed to inspire a promising pathway to realize high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries.

Graphene‐based Activated Carbon Composites for High Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

“…We must point out that, as indicated by other works, long-term stability issues related with the instability of lithium anode are more prominent in pouch cell, due to the significantly higher total current passed in the electrode. [30][31][32] This effect is visible after opening the pouch cell at the end of cycling life (Figure S6). Mossy and dead Li formed upon cycling and Li metal became sandy, which critically limits the lifespan of S@ResFArGO pouch cells.…”

A review on theoretical models for lithium–sulfur battery cathodes

“…[53][54][55][56] Therefore, the priority has switched from anchoring LiPSs in cathode frameworks to promoting the conversion between LiPSs and Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S. [57][58][59] Although great progress has been achieved in Li-S batteries during past years, a deep insight into the working mechanism and rational design strategies of sulfur hosts is very lacking. [60][61][62][63][64][65][66] Beyond conventional experiments, theoretical simulations have been spread to chemistry, materials science, and energy fields. [67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75] Especially, density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations have been widely applied in Li-S batteries, such as probing the adsorption of polysulfides on host materials.…”

“…Although great progress has been achieved in Li–S batteries during past years, a deep insight into the working mechanism and rational design strategies of sulfur hosts is very lacking 60–66 . Beyond conventional experiments, theoretical simulations have been spread to chemistry, materials science, and energy fields 67–75 .…”

Advances in the Emerging Gradient Designs of Li Metal Hosts

“…Li metal anode (LMA) is one of the cutting-edge research topics by virtue of its high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g -1 ) associated with the lowest electrode potential (-3.04 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode) [4][5][6]. When coupled with conversion cathodes, for example, sulfur, the energy density of the resulting Li-S battery reaches several times higher than current commercial Li-ion batteries [7,8]. Therefore, Li metal batteries (LMBs) have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for the nextgeneration high-energy batteries [9][10][11].…”