Electrochemical Behaviors of Lithium Powder Anode in Lithium-Sulfur Battery

Abstract

A lithium powder electrode is applied as an anode in a lithium-sulfur battery system to examine the effects of changes in the anode surface area on electrochemical behavior. Besides preventing dendrite growth, as in other lithium-ion batteries, the lithium powder anode achieves an elevation in lithium-ion transfer, which can be attributed to an increase in the exchange current density caused by expansion of the surface area of the anode. This promotion of lithium-ion diffusion also leads to an increase in lithium-ion transfer near the cathode site and contributes to the reversible reaction between the lithium ion and sulfur. As a result, the reversibility in cathodic reactions is enhanced, thereby improving its specific capacity and retention. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the morphology of the cathode is maintained throughout the process, and a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with lower electrolyte decomposition can be constructed. Impedance analysis also confirms that a stable electrochemical reaction is achieved with low resistance values.

Uniform distribution of metallic lithium and carbon on the nanoscale for highly stable carbon-based lithium metal anodes

“…6c). A higher exchange current density in the GKBLi symmetrical cell suggests lower charge transfer resistance 55,56 which is confirmed by the Nyquist plots in Fig. 6f.…”

Enhanced Capacity of Lithium Secondary Batteries Using a Li-Powder Anode

“…The corresponding capacity using the powder anode was 763 mAh/g. Consequently, the average capacity increments in going from Li-foil to Li-powder anodes are 6, 8, and 30% for the Li–V 2 O 5 , Li–LiV 3 O 8 , and Li–sulfur cells, respectively. − …”

“…6−15,46−48 In addition to suppressing dendrite formation, the discharge capacity achieved in full cells using the Li-powder anode was higher than that obtained with Li-foil anodes, as compared to data previously reported. Kim et al 8 demonstrated that Li powder used in Li−V 2 O 5 cells resulted in an approximately 6% higher capacity than that obtained in Li-foil-based cells, and Lee et al 9 and Son et al 10 confirmed that Li powder increased the discharge capacity by 8% in Li−LiV 3 O 8 cells and by 30% in Li−sulfur cells. It is widely known that cell capacity is determined by the capacity of the cathode because of a relatively large anode capacity.…”

“…Unfortunately, the commercialization of lithium-metal cells is limited by various factors, such as dendrite growth, an unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), and capacity fading. Electrolyte additives, ex situ artificial layers, and composite anodes have been tested to suppress Li dendrite growth and stabilize the SEI. − In addition, Li powder has been demonstrated to be effective in suppressing dendrite growth, forming a stable SEI and a stable interface shape and area, according to data that have been reported in the last few decades. − ,− …”

Lithiation and Delithiation Behavior of Porous Li-Cu Anode in Li-ion Battery Systems

“…2a], Li deposition occurs only on the anode surface during charging, and thus, dendrite formation in the electrode and changes in its volume inevitably occur during charging and discharging. 31 As shown in Fig. 2b, the pores formed by pressing the Li and Cu powders into similar 10 μm spheres may overcome these problems.…”