Hybrid Li/S Battery Based on Dimethyl Trisulfide and Sulfurized Poly(acrylonitrile)

• Published in: Advanced sustainable systems (Online) 2018-02, Vol.2 (2), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Warneke, Sven, Zenn, Roland Krisp, Lebherz, Tim, Müller, Kathrin, Hintennach, Andreas, Starke, Ulrich, Dinnebier, Robert E., Buchmeiser, Michael R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: catholytes; Li/S batteries; liquid cathodes; organosulfides; sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile)
• ISSN: 2366-7486; 2366-7486
• DOI: 10.1002/adsu.201700144

Lithium–sulfur (Li/S) batteries are among the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems because of their high theoretical specific energy of ≈2600 Wh kg−1. However, conventional Li/S batteries require high amounts of redox‐inactive liquid electrolytes, which do not contribute to cell capacity. Thus, the practical specific energy of Li/S batteries is often relatively poor (700 cycles). In addition, both the working and aging mechanism are elucidated by NMR, Raman, X‐ray photoelectron and electronic impedance spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and postmortem analysis. A new hybrid system consisting of a sulfurized poly(acrylonitrile) (SPAN) based cathode and a liquid catholyte containing dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is introduced. This system is investigated electrochemically, offering high capacities and a high cycle stability. Postmortem analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, Raman, and NMR is discussed to understand the interaction between SPAN and DMTS.