Skip to main navigationSkip to main content
The University of Southampton
Chemistry

Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries are one of the most promising candidates for the next generation electrical energy storage. They are made of cheap and abundant elements and they have a theoretical specific energy of ca. 2600 W h kg-1, which is much higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. However, the development of lithium-sulfur batteries is hampered by their complicated reaction mechanism. In order to reach their full potential, lithium-sulfur batteries should achieve the complete reduction of solid sulfur into solid Li2S, and this reaction occurs via a multistep reaction pathway involving a range of soluble polysulfides. In order to achieve a high specific energy, the battery should run with the minimum amount of electrolyte required, and this corresponds to a situation where all polysulfide species should reach saturation. The corresponding equilibrium voltage profile during change and discharge will be given by the saturation concentration of polysulfides (Nernst equation) and the capacity will depend on the efficiency in the conversion from solid sulfur to liquid polysulfide and to Li2S. and the reverse reactions. Here we report the first phase diagram of system S-Li2S-electrolyte, and we demonstrate that the phase diagram is a practical tool to predict the equilibrium polysulphide concentration at any composition, the formation of solid phases, and to develop a quantitative understanding of the effect of solvent on battery performance.

Privacy Settings