Reduced polysulfide shuttle in lithium–sulfur batteries using Nafion-based separators

Nafion-coated polypropylene separator (Celgard 2500) is used as cation-selective membrane for lithium sulfur batteries to suppress polysulfide diffusion enhancing the charge efficiency of the cells especially at low charge/discharge rates. The charge efficiency of the 10th cycle rises from about 70%...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of power sources 2014-04, Vol.251, p.417-422
Main Authors: Bauer, I., Thieme, S., Brückner, J., Althues, H., Kaskel, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Charge efficiency
Coated separator
Current density
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Discharge
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells
Exact sciences and technology
Inhibitors
Lithiated Nafion-coating
Lithium sulfur batteries
Lithium–sulfur battery
Materials
Polypropylenes
Polysulfide inhibition
Polysulfides
Separators
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Description
Summary:Nafion-coated polypropylene separator (Celgard 2500) is used as cation-selective membrane for lithium sulfur batteries to suppress polysulfide diffusion enhancing the charge efficiency of the cells especially at low charge/discharge rates. The charge efficiency of the 10th cycle rises from about 70% to nearly 90% at a rate of C/20. The reduction of polysulfide penetration through the Nafion-coated Celgard 2500 is also proven by visual characterization. FTIR and SEM investigations verify a smooth and dense Nafion-coating on the porous polypropylene backbone of the separator. The influence of Nafion-loading on rate capability and discharge voltage is investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. With the lowest Nafion-loading of 0.25 mg cm−2 we are able to achieve a rate capability comparable to uncoated Celgard 2500 up to current densities of 3 mA cm−2, whereas the functionality as polysulfide shuttle inhibitor is largely preserved. [Display omitted] •Nafion-coated propylene separator (Celgard 2500) for improved charge efficiency.•Single-sided dense Nafion-coating after lithiation.•Enhanced rate capability and voltage compared to free standing Nafion membranes.•Substantial reduced polysulfide diffusion through separator.
ISSN:0378-7753
1873-2755
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.11.090