PNNL

Abstract

Reducing the electrolyte amount is critical for high practical specific energy of Li-S batteries. The lean electrolyte condition raises a complex situation for sulfur redox reactions since they rely on the electrolyte mediation. The insulating nature of discharge product Li2S and its uncontrollable accumulation (passivation) at the cathode interface is one of the major challenges for stable cycling of a Li-S battery under lean electrolyte condition. Here, we present that the NH4TFSI additive in electrolyte solution greatly alleviates the passivation issue in Li-S batteries under lean electrolyte condition. The ammonium additive enhances the solvation between sulfide anion and NH4+ cation, and greatly reduces the amount of large insoluble and insulting Li2S particles in the sulfur cathodes, which greatly facilitates the reversible and sustainable redox reactions of sulfur. Therefore, the cycle life of Li-S battery under lean electrolyte condition was greatly improved. In addition, we found that the morphology of Li anode is dependent on the cathode structures. Ammonium additive enables a homogeneous surface of cathode and Li anode and extended cycle life.