Chapter 8 - Suppression of lithium dendrite growth in lithium-sulfur batteries

Abstract

This chapter introduces the suppression of Li dendrite growth in Li-S batteries. High specific energy of Li-S batteries is attributed to the combination of high capacities of sulfur cathode and lithium anode. However, the nonuniform distribution of charges and high Li-ion concentration gradient at the electrode/electrolyte interface lead to the formation of dendrites on the surface of Li anode during charge/discharge processes. The formation of high surface area needles such as cellular structures and tree-like dendrites coupled with solid electrolyte interphase brings low Coulombic efficiency and poor cycle performance, even serious safety issues. This chapter begins with a description of dendrite initiation and growth mechanisms. Some strategies for delaying and suppressing dendrite growth are described subsequently, mainly by meticulously designing the appropriate battery components in three aspects of separator, anode, and electrolyte. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of various dendrite growth prevention strategies are discussed.