Pre-Lithiated Si Micro Wire Array Anodes Vs. Binder Free S8 Cathodes for Next Generation High Energy Storage

Li-S is a popular chemistry to obtain possible future high energy cells. Nevertheless, the unstable ether based electrolyte and safety + reliability concerns due to the Li metal anode are still major hurdles that are difficult to overcome. By replacing the Li anode with Si at least some of these problems can be addressed at the cost of losing some potential energy density.

To compare the Li-S and the Li_xSi_y-S system, optimized and pre-lithiated Si microwire anodes and binder free CNT-S cathodes were used. The capacity retention is greatly dependent on charging conditions and electrolyte additives and will be discussed next to possible degradation effects.

The works is part of the joint project AlkaSuSi – Alkalimetal, sulfur and silicon and was financed by German ministry BMBF.