Building better batteries: Researchers report new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries
http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2017/march/building-better-lithium-sulfur-batteries/[font face=Serif][font size=5]Building better batteries[/font]
Article by Diane Kukich Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson March 06, 2017
[font size=4]Researchers report new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries[/font]
[font size=3]Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the power behind most modern portable electronics, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, fitness trackers, and smart watches. However, their energy density that is, the amount of energy stored within a given amount of physical space, or mass will need to be improved for these batteries to see widespread use in smart grid and electric transport applications.
In contrast, the energy density of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is five times higher than that of Li-ion batteries. That advantage, combined with low cost, suggests that this alternative technology shows promise for high-energy storage applications.
But the use of Li-S batteries is limited by a different problem: rapid capacity fade, which means that the amount of charge these batteries can deliver at the rated voltage decreases significantly with use.
Now, Wei and colleagues have demonstrated a new polysulfide entrapping strategy that greatly improves the cycle stability of Li-S batteries.
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https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201604724