PNNL

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery is a very promising candidate for the next generation of energy storage systems required for electrical vehicles and grid energy storage applications due to its very high theoretical specific energy (2500 W h kg-1). However, the low coulombic efficiency (CE) during repeated Li plating/stripping of these processes have limited practical application of rechargeable Li-S batteries. In this work, a new electrolyte system based on high concentration of LiNO3 in diglyme solvent is developed which enables high CE of Li metal plating/stripping and high stability of Li anode in the sulfur containing electrolyte. Tailoring of electrolyte properties for the Li negative electrode has proven to be a successful strategy for improving the capacity retention and cycle life of Li-S batteries. This electrolyte provides a CE for Li plating/stripping of greater than 99% for over 200 cycles. In contrast, Li metal cycles for only less than 35 cycles at high CE in the standard 1 M LiTFSI + 2wt% LiNO3 in DOL:DME electrolyte under the same conditions. The stable Li metal anode enabled by the new electrolyte may accelerate the applications of high energy density Li-S batteries in both electrical vehicles and large-scale grid energy storage markets.