A review on design of cathode, anode and solid electrolyte for true all-solid-state lithium sulfur batteries. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bandyopadhyay, Sumana; Nandan, Bhanu
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 31(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Lithium sulfur battery -- All-solid-state battery -- Sulfur cathode -- Interlayer -- Solid-state electrolyte; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2022.101201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: All-solid-state lithium sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) are a promising prospect in the field of energy storage devices offering high energy density and safety. An ASSLSB is realized by replacing the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries) by solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). This review acknowledges the practical challenges that makes the actual performance of ASSLSB fall behind the conventional counterparts. The discussion is restricted to true ASSLSBs devoid of liquid components, unlike gel polymer electrolytes, quasi-solid-state electrolytes or electrode/SSE interface wetting. The insulating nature of sulfur and its discharge products makes the sluggish reaction kinetics in the solid-state even slow. The build-up of electrochemically dead materials at the cathode hinders fresh sulfur surface from partaking in reaction, thereby drastically reducing the sulfur utilization. Therefore, an optimized cathode structure with a dual ionic and electronic conduction pathway is required. Also, the polysulfides generated at cathode in ASSLSBs can dissolve in polymer-based SSEs used and unevenly passivate the lithium metal anode. Based on this understanding, the review focuses on modifications of sulfur cathode and design of protective interlayer to restrict (chain) polysulfide dissolution, limit (cage) polysulfide migration to the lithium anode and the protection of lithium anode from polysulfide attack (shield) in ASSLSBs. Graphical abstract: Design and optimization of cathode, solid electrolyte and anode to restrict (chain) polysulfide dissolution into SSEs and limit (cage) their migration to the lithium anode side and protection of lithium anode (shield) in ASSLSB. Image 1 Highlights: Design challenges of true all-solid-state lithium sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) to power green technologies is discussed. Solid electrolytes are identified as safer, non-toxic alternative to liquid ones. ASSLSB cathode design to restrict and limit polysulfide dissolution and migration. Strategies to protect lithium anode from polysulfide attack in ASSLSBs is examined.