Mathematical modeling of the charging process of Li-S batteries by incorporating the size-dependent Li2S dissolution

High-performance lithium-sulfur batteries enabled by regulating Li2S deposition

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have received intensive attention in recent years due to their high theoretical energy density derived from the lithiation of sulfur. In the discharge process, sulfur transforms into lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) that dissolve in liquid electrolytes and then into insoluble Li₂S precipitated on the electrode surface. The electronically and ionically insulating Li₂S leads to two critical issues, including the sluggish reaction kinetics from LiPSs to Li₂S and the passivation of the electrode. In this regard, controlling the Li₂S deposition is significant for improving the performance of LSBs. In this perspective, we have summarized the recent achievements in regulating the Li₂S deposition to enhance the performance of LSBs, including the solution-mediated growth of Li₂S, sulfur host enhanced nucleation and catalysis induced kinetic improvement. Moreover, the challenges and possibilities for future research studies are discussed, highlighting the significance of regulating the Li₂S deposition to realize the high electrochemical performance and promote the practical uses of LSBs.

Recent Progress and Emerging Application Areas for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology

Electrification is progressing significantly within the present and future vehicle sectors such as large commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks and buses), high-altitude long endurance (HALE), high-altitude pseudosatellites (HAPS), and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL). The battery systems' performance requirements differ across these applications in terms of power, cycle life, system cost, etc. However, the need for high gravimetric energy density, 400 Wh kg-1 and beyond, is common across them all, as it enables vehicles to achieve extended range, a longer mission duration, lighter weight, or increased payload. The system-level requirements of these emerging applications are broken down into the component-level developments required to integrate Li-S technology as the power system of choice. To adapt batteries' properties, such as energy and power density, to the respective application, the academic research community has a key role to play in component-level development. However, materials and component research must be conducted within the context of a viable Li-S cell system. Herein, the key performance benefits, limitations, modeling, and recent progress of the Li-S battery technology and its adaption toward real-world application are discussed.

Halogen-Doping Effect on the Delithiation and Charge Transfer of (Li2S)10 Cluster

Previous studies have suggested beneficial effects in lithium-sulfur batteries containing iodide in a sulfur-based cathode or as an electrolyte additive. These effects include preventing electrolyte degradation and improving the cycle stability of Li-S cells. However, little is known regarding the underlying reasons of such performance improvements. In this work, we present a theoretical study of the halogen-doping effect on the delithiation (charge) process on a (Li₂S)₁₀ model structure representing a potential final discharge product. It is revealed that the electron polaron is the dominant charge carrier during the charge process, and iodine is a facilitating agent for lithium detachment from the lithium sulfide cluster. However, the graphene support was found as potentially slowing down the ionic transport during the delithiation process due to charge transfer exerted by the support to the doped cluster that may retain the positive ions in the particle.