Issue 33, 2024

Electrocatalysts work better in lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Reducing electrolyte usage constitutes the prerequisite to construct high-energy-density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the cathode kinetics is severely blocked under lean-electrolyte conditions. Electrocatalysts have been widely employed to boost the cathode kinetics, yet their effectiveness under lean-electrolyte conditions remains unclear. Herein, the cathode kinetics promotion effectiveness of electrocatalysts is systematically evaluated in lean-electrolyte Li–S batteries. The kinetics promotion effects on both liquid–liquid and liquid–solid conversions are more prominent at higher sulfur concentrations using a titanium nitride (TiN) electrocatalyst. Similarly, the discharge capacity increment and cell polarization decrease afforded by the TiN electrocatalyst are more significant in lean-electrolyte Li–S batteries than in flooded-electrolyte ones. Polarization decoupling analysis further identifies activation polarization as the main challenge under lean-electrolyte conditions, which can be effectively overcome by the TiN electrocatalyst. Moreover, the energy density of 2 Ah Li–S pouch cells increases by 19% using the TiN electrocatalyst. This work elucidates that electrocatalysts are more effective in lean-electrolyte Li–S batteries and highlights advanced electrocatalyst design for high-energy-density Li–S batteries.

Graphical abstract: Electrocatalysts work better in lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
26 Mar 2024
Accepted
12 Jul 2024
First published
13 Jul 2024

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 21845-21852

Electrocatalysts work better in lean-electrolyte lithium–sulfur batteries

J. Zhao, Z. Chen, Q. Cheng, M. Zhao, X. Ma, X. Zhang, J. Huang and B. Li, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 21845 DOI: 10.1039/D4TA01997K

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