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Keywords = polysulfide trapping

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18 pages, 3618 KiB  
Review
Strategies to Suppress Polysulfide Dissolution and Its Effects on Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Grace Cheung and Chun Huang
Batteries 2025, 11(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11040139 - 3 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1777
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), with a high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) and theoretical specific capacity (1672 mA h g−1), are considered the most promising next-generation rechargeable energy storage devices. However, polysulfide dissolution and the shuttle effect cause severe [...] Read more.
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), with a high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) and theoretical specific capacity (1672 mA h g−1), are considered the most promising next-generation rechargeable energy storage devices. However, polysulfide dissolution and the shuttle effect cause severe capacity fading and the rapid loss of the active material; hence, these must be addressed first. This review provides an overview of various strategies employed to immobilise polysulfides via polysulfide trapping and physical and chemical adsorption using porous cathode designs, heterostructures, functionalised separators, and polymer binders. The working mechanism of each strategy is reviewed and discussed, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and they are analysed through comparisons of the battery performance and limitations in terms of practical applications. Finally, the future prospects for the design and synthesis of LSBs to limit polysulfide dissolution are discussed. Full article
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18 pages, 19788 KiB  
Article
Encapsulation Engineering of Sulfur into Magnesium Oxide for High Energy Density Li–S Batteries
by Sunny Choudhary, Nischal Oli, Shweta Shweta, Satyam Kumar, Mohan K. Bhattarai, Carlos Alberto Malca-Reyes, Rajesh K. Katiyar, Balram Tripathi, Liz M. Díaz-Vázquez, Gerardo Morell and Ram S. Katiyar
Molecules 2024, 29(21), 5116; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29215116 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1927 | Correction
Abstract
This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD [...] Read more.
This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD measurements confirmed that sulfur (S8) retains its orthorhombic crystalline structure (space group Fddd) following the MgO incorporation, with minimal peak shifts indicating slight lattice distortion, while the increased peak intensity suggests enhanced crystallinity due to MgO acting as a nucleation site. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated sulfur’s characteristic vibrational modes consistent with group theory (point group D2h) and highlighted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT′s) D, G, and 2D bands, with a low ID/IG ratio (0.47), which indicated low defects and high crystallinity in the prepared cathode. The S–MgO composite cathode exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, with an initial discharge capacity (950 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), significantly improved compared to pristine sulfur’s. The presence of MgO effectively mitigated the polysulfide shuttle effect by trapping polysulfides, leading to enhanced stability over 400 cycles and the consistent coulombic efficiency of over 99.5%. After 400 cycles, EDS and SEM analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the electrode, with only minor fractures and slight sulfur content loss. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirmed the enhanced performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries, 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 2012 KiB  
Article
Scalable Ni12P5-Coated Carbon Cloth Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Artur M. Suzanowicz, Thulitha M. Abeywickrama, Hao Lin, Dana Alramahi, Carlo U. Segre and Braja K. Mandal
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4356; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174356 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1475
Abstract
As a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) stand out because of their multi-electron redox reactions and high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g−1). However, the long-term stability of LSBs and their commercialization are significantly compromised by [...] Read more.
As a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) stand out because of their multi-electron redox reactions and high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g−1). However, the long-term stability of LSBs and their commercialization are significantly compromised by the inherently irreversible transition of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPS) into solid short-chain S species (Li2S2 and Li2S) and the resulting substantial density change in S. To address these issues, we used activated carbon cloth (ACC) coated with Ni12P5 as a porous, conductive, and scalable sulfur host material for LSBs. ACC has the benefit of high electrical conductivity, high surface area, and a three-dimensional (3D) porous architecture, allowing for ion transport channels and void spaces for the volume expansion of S upon lithiation. Ni12P5 accelerates the breakdown of Li2S to increase the efficiency of active materials and trap soluble polysulfides. The highly effective Ni12P5 electrocatalyst supported on ACC drastically reduced the severity of the LiPS shuttle, affected the abundance of adsorption–diffusion–conversion interfaces, and demonstrated outstanding performance. Our cells achieved near theoretical capacity (>1611 mA h g−1) during initial cycling and superior capacity retention (87%) for >250 cycles following stabilization with a 0.05% decay rate per cycle at 0.2 C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section D2: Electrochem: Batteries, Fuel Cells, Capacitors)
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10 pages, 4168 KiB  
Article
Sulfur Encapsulation into Carbon Nanospheres as an Effective Technique to Limit Sulfide Dissolution and Extend the Cycle Life of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Wissam Fawaz, Zhao Wang and Ka Yuen Simon Ng
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092168 - 1 May 2024
Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries suffer from a reduced cycle life and diminished coulombic efficiency, which is attributed to the polysulfide shuttle effect. We herein present a process for the fabrication of lithium–sulfur battery cathode material via the recrystallization of dissolved sulfur inside self-assembled carbon nanospheres [...] Read more.
Lithium–sulfur batteries suffer from a reduced cycle life and diminished coulombic efficiency, which is attributed to the polysulfide shuttle effect. We herein present a process for the fabrication of lithium–sulfur battery cathode material via the recrystallization of dissolved sulfur inside self-assembled carbon nanospheres synthesized through the carbonization of d-glucose. Trapping sulfur in the carbonaceous matrix lessens the rapid dissolution of polysulfides and minimizes the loss of active sulfur, thus extending the cycling stability of these batteries. The carbon–sulfur composite material was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrochemical analysis of the material and its functionality as an electrode for lithium–sulfur battery systems was evaluated in a coin cell format using impedance spectroscopy and a life cycle study. The as-prepared cathode has shown remarkable electrochemical performance with a specific capacity of 781 mA/g at 0.1 C after 500 charge/discharge cycles and 83.4% capacity retention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems)
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24 pages, 15497 KiB  
Review
Could Commercially Available Aqueous Binders Allow for the Fabrication of Highly Loaded Sulfur Cathodes with a Stable Cycling Performance?
by Wenli Wei, Marzi Barghamadi, Anthony F. Hollenkamp and Peter J. Mahon
Batteries 2024, 10(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10020067 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4076
Abstract
In this review, the application of five commercially available aqueous-based binders including sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as well as some representative custom (or purpose) synthesized functional binders used in lithium [...] Read more.
In this review, the application of five commercially available aqueous-based binders including sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as well as some representative custom (or purpose) synthesized functional binders used in lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries is summarized based on the main evaluation criteria of cycling capacity, battery lifetime, and areal sulfur loading (and, consequently, energy density of the battery). CMC with SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) has been reported with promising results in highly loaded sulfur cathodes (>5 mg cm−2 sulfur loading). PVA and PEI were confirmed to provide an enhanced adsorption of lithium polysulfides due to the interaction with hydroxyl and amine groups. No competitive advantage in electrochemical performance was demonstrated through the use of PAA and PEO. Water-based binders modified with polysulfide-trapping functional groups have complex fabrication processes, which hinders their commercial application. In general, achieving a high capacity and long cycling stability for highly loaded sulfur cathodes using commercial aqueous-based binders remains a significant challenge. Additionally, the scalability of these reported sulfur cathodes, in terms of complexity, cost, and stable electrochemical cycling, should be evaluated through further battery testing, particularly targeting pouch cell performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Binders and Additives for Rechargeable Batteries)
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14 pages, 14650 KiB  
Article
Polydopamine-Modified Carboxymethyl Cellulose as Advanced Polysulfide Trapping Binder
by Daniel A. Gribble and Vilas G. Pol
Batteries 2023, 9(11), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9110525 - 24 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2910
Abstract
The search for a high-energy-density alternative to lithium-ion batteries has led to great interest in the lithium sulfur battery (LSB). However, poor cycle lifetimes and coulombic efficiencies (CEs) due to detrimental lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling has hindered its widespread adoption. To address this [...] Read more.
The search for a high-energy-density alternative to lithium-ion batteries has led to great interest in the lithium sulfur battery (LSB). However, poor cycle lifetimes and coulombic efficiencies (CEs) due to detrimental lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling has hindered its widespread adoption. To address this challenge, a modified sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymer with integrated dopamine moieties and polydopamine nanoparticles was created through a facile one-pot dopamine (DOP) amidation reaction to strengthen noncovalent interactions with LiPSs and mitigate the shuttling effect. The resulting CMC-DOP binder improved electrode wettability, adhesion, and electrochemical performance. Compared to LSBs with a standard CMC binder, CMC-DOP 5:1 (with a 5:1 weight ratio of CMC to dopamine precursor) improves the specific capacity at cycle 100 by 38% to 552 mAh g−1 and CE from 96.8 to 98.9%. LSBs show good stability, even after 500 cycles. Post-mortem electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies confirmed the effectiveness of the CMC-DOP in confining LiPS in the cathode. This simple but effective nature-inspired strategy promises to enhance the viability of LSBs without using harmful chemicals or adding excess bulk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Batteries)
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10 pages, 2558 KiB  
Article
MOF-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Polyhedrons/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Jun Chen, Yuanjiang Yang, Sheng Yu, Yi Zhang, Jiwei Hou, Nengfei Yu and Baizeng Fang
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(17), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13172416 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2130
Abstract
Nanocomposites that combine porous materials and a continuous conductive skeleton as a sulfur host can improve the performance of lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) anchoring small-size (~40 nm) N-doped porous carbon polyhedrons (S-NCPs/CNTs) are designed and synthesized via annealing the precursor [...] Read more.
Nanocomposites that combine porous materials and a continuous conductive skeleton as a sulfur host can improve the performance of lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) anchoring small-size (~40 nm) N-doped porous carbon polyhedrons (S-NCPs/CNTs) are designed and synthesized via annealing the precursor of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 grown in situ on CNTs (ZIF-8/CNTs). In the nanocomposite, the S-NCPs serve as an efficient host for immobilizing polysulfides through physical adsorption and chemical bonding, while the interleaved CNT networks offer an efficient charge transport environment. Moreover, the S-NCP/CNT composite with great features of a large specific surface area, high pore volume, and short electronic/ion diffusion depth not only demonstrates a high trapping capacity for soluble lithium polysulfides but also offers an efficient charge/mass transport environment, and an effective buffering of volume changes during charge and discharge. As a result, the Li-S batteries based on a S/S-NCP/CNT cathode deliver a high initial capacity of 1213.8 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 0.2 C and a substantial capacity of 1114.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a high-capacity retention of 91.7%. This approach provides a practical research direction for the design of MOF-derived carbon materials in the application of high-performance Li–S batteries. Full article
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12 pages, 2711 KiB  
Article
Ce-Doped Three-Dimensional Ni/Fe LDH Composite as a Sulfur Host for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
by Huiying Wei, Qicheng Li, Bo Jin and Hui Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(15), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13152244 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2351
Abstract
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have become the most promising choice in the new generation of energy storage/conversion equipment due to their high theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh g−1 and theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1. Nevertheless, the continuous shuttling of [...] Read more.
Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have become the most promising choice in the new generation of energy storage/conversion equipment due to their high theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh g−1 and theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1. Nevertheless, the continuous shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) restricts the commercial application of LSBs. The appearance of layered double hydroxides (LDH) plays a certain role in the anchoring of LiPSs, but its unsatisfactory electronic conductivity and poor active sites hinder its realization as a sulfur host for high-performance LSBs. In this paper, metal organic framework-derived and Ce ion-doped LDH (Ce-Ni/Fe LDH) with a hollow capsule configuration is designed rationally. The hollow structure of Ce-Ni/Fe LDH contains a sufficient amount of sulfur. Fe, Ni, and Ce metal ions effectively trap LiPSs; speed up the conversion of LiPSs; and firmly anchor LiPSs, thus effectively inhibiting the shuttle of LiPSs. The electrochemical testing results demonstrate that a lithium–sulfur battery with capsule-type S@Ce-Ni/Fe LDH delivers the initial discharge capacities of 1207 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 1056 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, respectively. Even at 1 C, a lithium–sulfur battery with S@Ce-Ni/Fe LDH can also cycle 1000 times. This work provides new ideas to enhance the electrochemical properties of LSBs by constructing a hollow capsule configuration. Full article
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12 pages, 3444 KiB  
Article
Fe3C-Decorated Folic Acid-Derived Graphene-like Carbon-Modified Separator as a Polysulfide Barrier for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
by Zenghui Lin, Junan Feng, Wendong Liu, Lu Yin, Wanyang Chen, Chuan Shi and Jianjun Song
Batteries 2023, 9(6), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9060296 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2470
Abstract
The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery has been regarded as an important candidate for the next-generation energy storage system due to its high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh g−1) and high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the shuttle effect of polysulfide [...] Read more.
The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery has been regarded as an important candidate for the next-generation energy storage system due to its high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh g−1) and high energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the shuttle effect of polysulfide seriously affects the cycling stability of the Li-S battery. Here, a novel Fe3C-decorated folic acid-derived graphene-like N-doped carbon sheet (Fe3C@N-CS) was successfully prepared as the polysulfide catalyst to modify the separator of Li-S batteries. The porous layered structures can successfully capture polysulfide as a physical barrier and the encapsulated Fe3C catalyst can effectively trap and catalyze the conversion of polysulfide, thus accelerating the redox reaction kinetics. Together with the highly conductive networks, a cell with the Fe3C@N-CS-modified separator evinces superior cycling stability with 0.06% capacity decay per cycle at 1 C rate over 500 cycles and excellent specific capacity with an initial capacity of 1260 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. Furthermore, at a high sulfur loading of 4.0 mg cm−2, the batteries also express superb cycle stability and rate performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Materials and Technologies for Post-Lithium-Ion Batteries)
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34 pages, 7105 KiB  
Review
Advances in Strategic Inhibition of Polysulfide Shuttle in Room-Temperature Sodium-Sulfur Batteries via Electrode and Interface Engineering
by Anupriya K. Haridas and Chun Huang
Batteries 2023, 9(4), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries9040223 - 9 Apr 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4589
Abstract
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT-NaSBs) with high theoretical energy density and low cost are ideal candidates for next-generation stationary and large-scale energy storage. However, the dissolution of sodium polysulfide (NaPS) intermediates and their migration to the anode side give rise to the shuttle phenomenon [...] Read more.
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries (RT-NaSBs) with high theoretical energy density and low cost are ideal candidates for next-generation stationary and large-scale energy storage. However, the dissolution of sodium polysulfide (NaPS) intermediates and their migration to the anode side give rise to the shuttle phenomenon that impedes the reaction kinetics leading to rapid capacity decay, poor coulombic efficiency, and severe loss of active material. Inhibiting the generation of long-chain NaPS or facilitating their adsorption via physical and chemical polysulfide trapping mechanisms is vital to enhancing the electrochemical performance of RT-NaSBs. This review provides a brief account of the polysulfide inhibition strategies employed in RT-NaSBs via physical and chemical adsorption processes via the electrode and interfacial engineering. Specifically, the sulfur immobilization and polysulfide trapping achieved by electrode engineering strategies and the interfacial engineering of the separator, functional interlayer, and electrolytes are discussed in detail in light of recent advances in RT-NaSBs. Additionally, the benefits of engineering the highly reactive Na anode interface in improving the stability of RT-NaSBs are also elucidated. Lastly, the future perspectives on designing high-performance RT-NaSBs for practical applications are briefly outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Battery Processing, Manufacturing and Recycling)
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12 pages, 3628 KiB  
Article
Fluorinated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Coated Separator Mitigates Polysulfide Shuttle in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
by Devashish Salpekar, Changxin Dong, Eliezer F. Oliveira, Valery N. Khabashesku, Guanhui Gao, Ved Ojha, Robert Vajtai, Douglas S. Galvao, Ganguli Babu and Pulickel M. Ajayan
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051804 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
Li-S batteries still suffer from two of the major challenges: polysulfide shuttle and low inherent conductivity of sulfur. Here, we report a facile way to develop a bifunctional separator coated with fluorinated multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Mild fluorination does not affect the inherent graphitic [...] Read more.
Li-S batteries still suffer from two of the major challenges: polysulfide shuttle and low inherent conductivity of sulfur. Here, we report a facile way to develop a bifunctional separator coated with fluorinated multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Mild fluorination does not affect the inherent graphitic structure of carbon nanotubes as shown by transmission electron microscopy. Fluorinated carbon nanotubes show an improved capacity retention by trapping/repelling lithium polysulfides at the cathode, while simultaneously acting as the “second current collector”. Moreover, reduced charge-transfer resistance and enhanced electrochemical performance at the cathode-separator interface result in a high gravimetric capacity of around 670 mAh g−1 at 4C. Unique chemical interactions between fluorine and carbon at the separator and the polysulfides, studied using DFT calculations, establish a new direction of utilizing highly electronegative fluorine moieties and absorption-based porous carbons for mitigation of polysulfide shuttle in Li-S batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functional Nanomaterials)
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9 pages, 2334 KiB  
Article
Aramid Fibers Modulated Polyethylene Separator as Efficient Polysulfide Barrier for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
by Jifeng Gu, Jiaping Zhang, Yun Su and Xu Yu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(15), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12152513 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2555
Abstract
The separators with high absorbability of polysulfides are essential for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, the aramid fibers coated polyethylene (AF-PE) films are designed by roller coating, the high polarity of AFs can strongly increase the binding force at [...] Read more.
The separators with high absorbability of polysulfides are essential for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, the aramid fibers coated polyethylene (AF-PE) films are designed by roller coating, the high polarity of AFs can strongly increase the binding force at AF/PE interfaces to guarantee the good stability of the hybrid film. As confirmed by the microscopic analysis, the AF-PE-6 film with the nanoporous structure exhibits the highest air permeability by the optimal coating content of AFs. The high absorbability of polysulfides for AF-PE-6 film can effectively hinder the migration of polysulfides and alleviate the shuttle effect of the Li–S battery. AF-PE-6 cell shows the specific capacity of 661 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. After 200 charge/discharge cycles, the reversible specific capacity is 542 mAh g−1 with the capacitance retention of 82%, implying the excellent stability of AF-PE-6. The enhanced cell performance is attributed to the porous architecture of the aramid layer for trapping the dissolved sulfur-containing species and facilitating the charge transfer, as confirmed by SEM and EDS after 200 cycles. This work provides a facile way to construct the aramid fiber-coated separator for the inhibition of polysulfides in the Li–S battery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nano-Electrochemical Materials and Devices)
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13 pages, 29684 KiB  
Article
High Specific Capacity of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Carbon Black/Chitosan- and Carbon Black/Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Coated Separators
by Isaac Paniagua-Vásquez, Claudia C. Zuluaga-Gómez, Sofía Chacón-Vargas, Allan León Calvo, Giovanni Sáenz-Arce, Ram S. Katiyar and José Javier Saavedra-Arias
Energies 2022, 15(6), 2183; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15062183 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3623
Abstract
In this research, the shuttle effect and the low sulfur activation of lithium–sulfur batteries were mitigated by coating the cathode side of Celgard 2400 separators with mixtures of carbon black/chitosan or carbon black/polyvinylidene fluoride using the simple slurry technique. Carbon nanoparticles and the [...] Read more.
In this research, the shuttle effect and the low sulfur activation of lithium–sulfur batteries were mitigated by coating the cathode side of Celgard 2400 separators with mixtures of carbon black/chitosan or carbon black/polyvinylidene fluoride using the simple slurry technique. Carbon nanoparticles and the polar groups of the polymers were responsible for boosting the reaction kinetics of sulfur and the chemical and physical trapping of lithium polysulfides. The adsorption of sulfur species in the coated separators was confirmed by the morphologic changes observed in the AFM and SEM images and by the new elements presented in the EDX spectra after 100 charge/discharge cycles. The high intensity of the peaks in the cyclic voltammograms and the long plateaus in the discharge profiles support the improvement in the reaction kinetics. The batteries with the carbon black/chitosan- and carbon black/polyvinylidene fluoride-coated separators reached high specific discharge capacities of 833 and 698 mAhg−1, respectively, after 100 cycles at 0.5 C. This is promising for this kind of technology, and detailed results are presented in the article. Full article
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9 pages, 2532 KiB  
Article
BiFeO3 Coupled Polysulfide Trapping in C/S Composite Cathode Material for Li-S Batteries as Large Efficiency and High Rate Performance
by Balram Tripathi, Rajesh K. Katiyar, Gerardo Morell, Ambesh Dixit and Ram S. Katiyar
Energies 2021, 14(24), 8362; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248362 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2819
Abstract
We demonstrated the efficient coupling of BiFeO3 (BFO) ferroelectric material within the carbon–sulfur (C-S) composite cathode, where polysulfides are trapped in BFO mesh, reducing the polysulfide shuttle impact, and thus resulting in an improved cyclic performance and an increase in capacity in [...] Read more.
We demonstrated the efficient coupling of BiFeO3 (BFO) ferroelectric material within the carbon–sulfur (C-S) composite cathode, where polysulfides are trapped in BFO mesh, reducing the polysulfide shuttle impact, and thus resulting in an improved cyclic performance and an increase in capacity in Li-S batteries. Here, the built-in internal field due to BFO enhances polysulfide trapping. The observation of a difference in the diffusion behavior of polysulfides in BFO-coupled composites suggests more efficient trapping in BFO-modified C-S electrodes compared to pristine C-S composite cathodes. The X-ray diffraction results of BFO–C-S composite cathodes show an orthorhombic structure, while Raman spectra substantiate efficient coupling of BFO in C-S composites, in agreement with SEM images, showing the interconnected network of submicron-size sulfur composites. Two plateaus were observed at 1.75 V and 2.1 V in the charge/discharge characteristics of BFO–C-S composite cathodes. The observed capacity of ~1600 mAh g−1 in a 1.5–2.5 V operating window for BFO30-C10-S60 composite cathodes, and the high cyclic stability substantiate the superior performance of the designed cathode materials due to the efficient reduction in the polysulfide shuttle effect in these composite cathodes. Full article
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16 pages, 4430 KiB  
Article
Structural and Surfacial Modification of Carbon Nanofoam as an Interlayer for Electrochemically Stable Lithium-Sulfur Cells
by Yee-Jun Quay and Sheng-Heng Chung
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3342; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123342 - 9 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3258
Abstract
Electrochemical lithium-sulfur batteries engage the attention of researchers due to their high-capacity sulfur cathodes, which meet the increasing energy-density needs of next-generation energy-storage systems. We present here the design, modification, and investigation of a carbon nanofoam as the interlayer in a lithium-sulfur cell [...] Read more.
Electrochemical lithium-sulfur batteries engage the attention of researchers due to their high-capacity sulfur cathodes, which meet the increasing energy-density needs of next-generation energy-storage systems. We present here the design, modification, and investigation of a carbon nanofoam as the interlayer in a lithium-sulfur cell to enable its high-loading sulfur cathode to attain high electrochemical utilization, efficiency, and stability. The carbon-nanofoam interlayer features a porous and tortuous carbon network that accelerates the charge transfer while decelerating the polysulfide diffusion. The improved cell demonstrates a high electrochemical utilization of over 80% and an enhanced stability of 200 cycles. With such a high-performance cell configuration, we investigate how the battery chemistry is affected by an additional polysulfide-trapping MoS2 layer and an additional electron-transferring graphene layer on the interlayer. Our results confirm that the cell-configuration modification brings major benefits to the development of a high-loading sulfur cathode for excellent electrochemical performances. We further demonstrate a high-loading cathode with the carbon-nanofoam interlayer, which attains a high sulfur loading of 8 mg cm−2, an excellent areal capacity of 8.7 mAh cm−2, and a superior energy density of 18.7 mWh cm−2 at a low electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio of 10 µL mg−1. Full article
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