Challenges and Key Parameters of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries on Pouch Cell Level

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) technology was identified as a promising candidate to overcome energy density limitations of common lithium-ion batteries given the world-wide abundance of sulfur as a low-cost alternative to state-of-the-art active materials, such as Ni and Co. Li-S cells have received tremendous recognition in recent years, both from a scientific and industrial perspective. However, only few data on adequate multilayer-pouch cell characterization are available so far, and transparent calculations on components require more consideration. Because of the gap of lab cell characterization and prototype cell development, misinterpretations and false expectations are frequently reported, mostly resulting from lithium and electrolyte excess. For the commercialization of the Li-S technology, rapid transfer of new concepts on the prototype cell level is essential. Furthermore, fundamental studies should concentrate on fundamental scientific questions related to the main bottlenecks of Li-S cells: understanding anode and electrolyte degradation phenomena and realistic evaluation of stabilizing interfaces.

Design Principles of Single Atoms on Carbons for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Dörfler et al clarified the gap of lab‐scale coin cell and actual prototype pouch cell. [ 80 ] Electrolyte exhaustion and anode degradation are main factors that lead to pouch cell wear out. By contrast, excessive electrolyte and lithium anode in coin cell make researchers pay more attention to cathode material preparation.…”

Challenges of today for Na-based batteries of the future: From materials to cell metrics

“…Further research in this field has been motivated by the potentially promising performance: the formal reduction of sulphur to form Na 2 S corresponds to a capacity of 687 mAh.g − 1 (or 1672 mAh.g − 1 without accounting for the mass of sodium). Another motivation for Na/S batteries has been provided by the vibrant research on Li/S batteries which has experienced a significant progress over the last 10-15 years [310][311][312][313]. Li/S cells are also known for their chemical complexity because the reduction of sulphur during discharge leads to the formation of soluble polysulfides, which cause a series of detrimental effects such as the shuttle mechanism [314].…”

Recent Progress and Emerging Application Areas for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Technology

“…Today, there are still only very few academic institutions or companies which have demonstrated Li–S battery technology at a TRL greater than 5. [ 20–26 ] BASF and SION power worked on Li–S pouch cells [ 27 ] but have not published any results for several years. LG Chem recently published a press release on a drone powered by Li–S pouch cells with specific energy as high as 410 Wh kg −1 and stated that commercial cell production is expected to begin in 2025.…”

“…[ 7,45 ] However, the impact of secondary macroporosity created by the interspace between particles and binders has often been neglected but is about to be addressed in more detail. [ 23,42,51,52 ]…”