High-Energy-Density Lithium–Sulfur Battery Based on a Lithium Polysulfide Catholyte and Carbon Nanofiber Cathode

Byeonghun Oh, Baeksang Yoon, Suhyeon Ahn, Jumsuk Jang, Duhyun Lim () and Inseok Seo ()
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Byeonghun Oh: School of Advanced Materials Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Baeksang Yoon: School of Advanced Materials Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Suhyeon Ahn: Energy 11 Co., Ltd., 224 Bongdong-eup, Wanjusandan 6-ro, Wanju-gun 55315, Republic of Korea
Jumsuk Jang: Department of Integrative Environmental Biotechnology, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
Duhyun Lim: Energy 11 Co., Ltd., 224 Bongdong-eup, Wanjusandan 6-ro, Wanju-gun 55315, Republic of Korea
Inseok Seo: School of Advanced Materials Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-9

Abstract: Li–S batteries are promising large-scale energy storage systems but currently suffer from performance issues; a major reason is the dissolution of polysulfides in electrolytes. To this end, we report a high-energy-density Lithium–Sulfur (Li–S) battery that combines a catholyte and a sulfur-free carbon nanofiber (CNF) cathode. The cathode was synthesized by carbonizing binder-free polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, affording a high surface area. In the catholyte, added polysulfides acted as both conductive Li salts and active materials. Investigating the electrochemical performance of this concept in both Swagelok- and pouch-type cells afforded energy densities exceeding 3 mAh cm −2 at a discharge rate of 0.1 C. This combination could also be utilized in high-capacity pouch cells with capacities of up to 250 mAh g −1 . Both cell types exhibited good cycle performance. Adding LiNO 3 to the electrolyte suppressed the redox shuttle reactions. Moreover, the cathode being binder-free increased the energy density and simplified cathode fabrication. Characterizing the cathode before and after cycling revealed that deposition was reversible, and that cell reactions at least partially formed sulfur as the end product, resulting in high sulfur amounts in the cell. We expect our concept to greatly aid in the development of practically applicable Li–S cells.

Keywords: catholyte; lithium-polysulfide; carbonization; Li–S batteries; carbon nanofiber (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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