Recent advances in modified commercial separators for lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are one of the most promising next-generation batteries because they have higher theoretical capacities, lower cost, and smaller environmental impact than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

A strontium ferrite modified separator for adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides for excellent lithium–sulfur batteries

“…7,8 Nevertheless, during repeated discharge-charge processes, polysulfides are inevitably separated from the matrix. 9 In this case, as a result of the inferior blocking ability of commercial polyolefin separators against LiPSs, LiPSs unavoidably escape from the cathode to the anode, resulting in a low utilization rate of active sulfur. [10][11][12] Unambiguously, functional modified separators offer significant advantages in terms of inhibiting polysulfide diffusion and avoiding complex synthesis, which is conducive to large-scale commercial production.…”

“…7,8 Nevertheless, during repeated discharge–charge processes, polysulfides are inevitably separated from the matrix. 9 In this case, as a result of the inferior blocking ability of commercial polyolefin separators against LiPSs, LiPSs unavoidably escape from the cathode to the anode, resulting in a low utilization rate of active sulfur. 10–12…”

Dual Cross-Linked Multifunctional Binder for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Lithium–sulfur batteries are considered to be one of the most promising systems to completely meet the requirements of electric vehicles, owing to their low cost, high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g –1 ), natural abundance, and environmental friendliness of sulfur . Nevertheless, the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries is limited by several issues such as huge volume variation (∼80%), severe shuttle effect of dissolved lithium polysufides (LiPSs), and intrinsic insulation of sulfur and lithium sulfide (Li 2 S), resulting in delamination of the electrode, low utilization of sulfur, and inferior cycling stability. − …”

Flower-Shaped Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Nanostructures as Cathode Materials for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have gained much attention due to their high theoretical energy density (∼2600 W h kg –1 ) and abundance of sulfur sources. − However, their commercial applications are hindered by several intractable issues, including (i) the low active materials utilization because of the insulated nature of sulfur and lithium sulfides (Li 2 S), (ii) the poor cycling stability caused by the shuttle effect of long-chain lithium polysulfide (LiPSs), and (iii) the safety hazards associated with the unstable lithium/electrolyte interface. − In the past 20 years, tremendous efforts (e.g., the design of a novel sulfur host, multifunctional interlayer insertion, diaphragm modification, and electrolyte engineering) have been made to immobilize the polysulfide intermediates and stabilize the sulfur cathodes. − Although the electrochemical properties of Li–S batteries have been ameliorated by these strategies above, it should be pointed out that dissolving in organic electrolytes is the inherent nature of long-chain LiPSs; thus, the shuttle effect cannot be ultimately overcome if the elemental sulfur cathodes and the ether electrolytes continue to be used in batteries. , …”