Improving the over-all performance of Li-S batteries via electrolyte optimization with consideration of loading condition. (10th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ai, Guo; Wang, Zhihui; Dai, Yiling; Mao, Wenfeng; Zhao, Hui; Fu, Yanbao; En, Yunfei; Battaglia, Vincent; Liu, Gao
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 218(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-11-10
• Subjects: Li-S battery -- self-discharge -- ionic liquid -- over-all performance -- high-loading; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.09.090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: Ionic liquid (IL)-electrolyte can improve over-all performance of Li-S batteries. Self-discharge, cycling and rate performance is considered in over-all performance. The self-discharge prevention in Li-S batteries with IL is systematically studied. IL-electrolyte is optimized with consideration of loading condition and application. Abstract: Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries are very promising electrochemical storage system due to their high gravimetric energy density and low cost. Enormous efforts have been put on Li-S battery to achieve its commercialization. The function of electrolyte is a key issue in achieving the high performance of Li-S system, and several additives have been tried. But very few works have been working on the electrolyte optimization method with the consideration of over-all performance, including cycling stability, rate capability, especially self-discharge prevention ability, and the consideration of loading condition. In this work, we focus on the incorporation of room temperature ionic liquid (IL) as co-solvent, and the effect of IL in mitigating the polysulfide dissolution via systematical mechanism study of self-discharge phenomena. Moreover, the optimization of IL incorporation ratio is discussed for the sake of the better over-all electrochemical performance of Li-S cell by considering cycling stability, rate performance and self-discharge prevention ability, which is found to vary with loading condition. The improved understanding of the effect of IL on battery performance will help the development of electrolyte for Li-S batteries.