Issue 10, 2022

A quasi-intercalation reaction for fast sulfur redox kinetics in solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Solid-state lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been recognized as a competitive candidate for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high energy density and safety. However, the slow redox kinetics between S and Li2S and the large volume change of sulfur during charge/discharge have hindered the development of solid-state Li–S batteries. We report a solid-state Li–S battery using a polymer-in-salt solid-state electrolyte, in which the sulfur is anchored in a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) substrate during cycling, avoiding the formation of Li2S and thus resulting in much faster redox kinetics and a smaller volume change than the conventional solid-state Li–S batteries. The quasi-intercalation reaction in the system is achieved with the assistance of the residual N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), which helps strengthen the C–S bond. As a result, the solid-state Li-sulfurized PAN (SPAN) batteries have a superb rate capability at room temperature, even higher than those of liquid-state Li–S batteries, due to the faster redox kinetics and smaller volume change without solid–solid S to Li2S conversion which is present in liquid-state Li–SPAN batteries. This is the first report of the redox kinetics of solid-state Li–SPAN batteries being increased by changing the bond-strength of the C–S bond instead of using catalysts. This technique opens up new opportunities for designing high-performance solid-state Li–S batteries.

Graphical abstract: A quasi-intercalation reaction for fast sulfur redox kinetics in solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Jun 2022
Accepted
18 Aug 2022
First published
22 Aug 2022

Energy Environ. Sci., 2022,15, 4289-4300

A quasi-intercalation reaction for fast sulfur redox kinetics in solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries

C. Li, Q. Zhang, J. Sheng, B. Chen, R. Gao, Z. Piao, X. Zhong, Z. Han, Y. Zhu, J. Wang, G. Zhou and H. Cheng, Energy Environ. Sci., 2022, 15, 4289 DOI: 10.1039/D2EE01820A

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