Anode Material Options Toward 500 Wh kg−1 Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

• Published in: Advanced science 2022-01, Vol.9 (2), p.e2103910-n/a
• Main Authors: Bi, Chen‐Xi, Zhao, Meng, Hou, Li‐Peng, Chen, Zi‐Xian, Zhang, Xue‐Qiang, Li, Bo‐Quan, Yuan, Hong, Huang, Jia‐Qi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Alternative energy sources; Batteries; Corrosion; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Energy storage; Failure analysis; high energy density; Lithium; lithium metal anodes; lithium–magnesium alloys; lithium–sulfur batteries; pouch cells; Renewable resources; Review; Reviews; Sulfur; Working conditions
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103910

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is identified as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to its ultra‐high theoretical energy density up to 2600 Wh kg−1. However, Li metal anode suffers from dramatic volume change during cycling, continuous corrosion by polysulfide electrolyte, and dendrite formation, rendering limited cycling lifespan. Considering Li metal anode as a double‐edged sword that contributes to ultrahigh energy density as well as limited cycling lifespan, it is necessary to evaluate Li‐based alloy as anode materials to substitute Li metal for high‐performance Li–S batteries. In this contribution, the authors systematically evaluate the potential and feasibility of using Li metal or Li‐based alloys to construct Li–S batteries with an actual energy density of 500 Wh kg−1. A quantitative analysis method is proposed by evaluating the required amount of electrolyte for a targeted energy density. Based on a three‐level (ideal material level, practical electrode level, and pouch cell level) analysis, highly lithiated lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy is capable to achieve 500 Wh kg−1 Li–S batteries besides Li metal. Accordingly, research on Li–Mg and other Li‐based alloys are reviewed to inspire a promising pathway to realize high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries. Systematic evaluation and summary on using Li metal or Li‒based alloys to construct 500 Wh kg−1 Li–S batteries is carried out based on a three‐level quantitative analysis method. A highly lithiated lithium–magnesium (Li–Mg) alloy is capable to achieve the 500 Wh kg−1 target besides Li metal.