Researchers improve performance of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries

P-CNTs acted as a mediator and established a stable triple phase between sulfur, P-CNTs, and ionic conductor solid-state electrolyte (SSE) Li₆PS₅Cl.

According to the study, the reaction activity and stability of the sulfur cathode in the battery could be substantially improved by optimizing the ion and electron transport networks.

The solid-state electrolyte can provide good charging and discharging performance for batteries even under -40°C.

“The capacity of soft pack all-solid-state batteries using this electrolyte can maintain 82.7% capacity after cycling 3,000 times at 25°C and 0.5°C, which initially solves the life-span problem of sulfide all-solid-state batteries,” according to the study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries are considered one of the most promising energy storage devices for high energy density, high safety, and low cost of sulfur.

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The technology replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid one and uses lithium at the anode instead of graphite.

The solid-state batteries could grow to over $6 billion by 2030, according to a report by IDTechEx.

The technology, however, remains expensive and difficult to produce.

“Our work provides a new strategy for the microstructural engineering of carbon materials and interfacial modification for high-performance all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries,” said professor Wu Jianfei from the Qingdao Institute.