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Principles and Challenges of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

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Advances in Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Part of the book series: Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry ((MAOE,volume 59))

Abstract

The invention and adoption of lithium-ion batteries has catalyzed massive technological and societal progress over the past few decades. While lithium-ion batteries will continue to show considerable promise for a large range of applications, there are several critical use-cases that require order-of-magnitude increases in the battery’s ability to store energy per unit mass. This will necessitate the development of novel battery chemistries with increased specific energy, such as the lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Using sulfur active material in the cathode presents several desirable properties, such as a low-cost, widespread geological abundance, and a high specific capacity. However, the Li–S conversion chemistry operates in a highly distinct manner from traditional insertion electrodes; discharge of elemental sulfur produces lithium polysulfide intermediates that dissolve into the liquid electrolyte and mediate the charge-transfer process in solution. This phenomenon is accompanied by the unique challenges presented from the reactive and unstable lithium-metal anode. In conjunction, this introduces tremendous complexity and opportunity in the analysis and design of Li–S batteries. In this chapter, the operating principles and challenges of Li–S batteries are first introduced, and then the historical progress and future directions are discussed on a component-by-component basis.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Science and Engineering under award number DE-SC0005397.

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  1. Materials Science and Engineering Program & Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Abhay Gupta & Arumugam Manthiram

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  1. Materials Science & Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    Arumugam Manthiram

  2. College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China

    Yongzhu Fu

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Gupta, A., Manthiram, A. (2022). Principles and Challenges of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries. In: Manthiram, A., Fu, Y. (eds) Advances in Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries. Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry, vol 59. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-90899-7_1

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