Advanced Planar Li/S Batteries Based on Solid Electrolyte Separators

Rechargeable Li/S batteries have been considered as a prime candidate for powering electric vehicles since the high theoretical capacities of sulfur (i.e., 1,672 mAh/g) and lithium (i.e., 3,861 mAh/g) can enable packaged Li/S cells with two or three times higher energy densities than those of Li-ion batteries. However, the sluggish cathode reactions involving resistant sulfur materials and shuttling of dissolved intermediate polysulfides during cycling result in low capacities (< 1,000 mAh/g) and short cycle life (< 300 cycles).To overcome these formidable challenges, we propose to develop a planar Li/S battery, utilizing a Li-ion conducting ceramic membrane, which can eliminate the issues facing current Li/S batteries and achieve an unprecedented level of cell performance for practical applications. 

The presentation provides an overview and progress status on the development of Li/S battery technology.