High lithium sulfide loading electrodes for practical Li/S cells with high specific energy

• Published in: Nano energy Vol. 64; no. C; p. 103891
• Main Authors: Sun, Dan, Hwa, Yoon, Zhang, Liang, Xiang, Jingwei, Guo, Jinghua, Huang, Yunhui, Cairns, Elton J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2019; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aluminum foam current collector; Electrolyte/sulfur ratio; High loading; Lithium sulfide; Lithium/sulfur cell; Aluminum foam current collector; Electrolyte/sulfur ratio; Lithium/sulfur cell; High loading; Lithium sulfide
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.103891

To date, Li2S has drawn significant attention as a positive electrode active material for rechargeable lithium cells due to its high theoretical specific capacity and capability of pairing with a lithium-free anode which can obviate any safety concern of the lithium metal anode when using sulfur. In recent years, various approaches have been employed to develop Li/Li2S rechargeable cells for commercialization that meet the performance goals for high energy/power applications. It is expected that high lithium sulfide-loading cells with long cycle life, an excellent capacity delivery and low electrolyte:sulfur weight ratio (E/S ratio) can be achieved. Here, we report a Li2S electrode comprised of a novel Li2S/KB@Cf nanocomposite which delivers an areal capacity of 7.56 mAh cm-2 and good cycling stability with a mass loading of 11.29  mg cm-2 and a robust 3-dimensional (3D) aluminum foam current collector with a high open area. The high conductivity and scalability of the active material, the availability of 3D current collection for the active material and the control of the electrolyte/sulfur ratio offer the potential of realization of practical Li/S cells. [Display omitted] •Several investigations have been conducted to successfully obtain a Li/S cell with high active material loading and low E/S ratio while maintaining excellent performance.•This work offers an opportunity to develop the “beyond Li-ion” cell with specific energy greater than that of any rechargeable cell available today, at a lower cost, and with greater safety.