Recent Advances in Applying Vulcanization/Inverse Vulcanization Methods to Achieve High‐Performance Sulfur‐Containing Polymer Cathode Materials for Li–S Batteries. Issue 11 (19th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Fulai; Li, Yu; Feng, Wei
• Is Part Of: Small methods. Volume 2:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-08-19
• Subjects: cathode materials -- chemical bonds -- shuttle effect -- sulfur‐containing polymers -- vulcanization/inverse vulcanization; Nanotechnology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 620.5028
• DOI: 10.1002/smtd.201800156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-9608

Abstract

Abstract: Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have great prospects as next‐generation energy storage devices because of their high energy density, inexpensive raw materials, and low pollution. However, the development of Li–S batteries is currently restricted by the shuttle effect that occurs during the charge–discharge process. Sulfur‐containing polymers are attractive for use as Li–S battery cathode materials to alleviate the shuttle effect through chemical bonds as well as physical confinement. Moreover, polymers have numerous different molecular structures and definable functional groups. A suitable monomer design can result in a final sulfur‐containing polymer possessing favorable properties such as ion and electron conductivity, high sulfur content, appropriate viscosity, processability, and controllable morphology. These characteristics are of great benefit for use in Li–S battery cathodes to achieve high capacity and stable discharge at high rates. This review summarizes recent developments in sulfur‐containing polymer cathode materials. Focusing on polymers prepared by the facile and low‐cost vulcanization/inverse vulcanization methods and the polymer‐based composites, the chemical structures and electrochemical mechanisms are clarified, and the relationship between their structures and performances is discussed comprehensively. It is expected that more polymer electrode materials with high performance will emerge in the coming years. Abstract : This review summarizes recent developments in sulfur‐containing polymer cathode materials. Focusing on the polymers prepared by vulcanization/inverse vulcanization methods and the polymer‐based composites, the chemical structures and electrochemical mechanisms are clarified, and the relationship between their structures and performances is discussed comprehensively. Sulfur‐containing polymer cathode materials are expected to solve current problems of Li–S batteries to allow their commercialization.