Efficient Electrolytes for Lithiumâ€“Sulfur Batteries

Natarajan Angulakshmi,Arul Manuel Stephan

doi:10.3389/fenrg.2015.00017

Natarajan Angulakshmi, Arul Manuel Stephan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2015.00017

Copy DOI

Abstract

This review article mainly encompasses on the state-of-the-art electrolytes for lithium–sulfur batteries. Different strategies have been employed to address the issues of lithium-sulfur batteries across the world. One among them is identification of electrolytes and optimization of their properties for the applications in lithium-sulfur batteries. The electrolytes for lithium-sulfur batteries are broadly classified as (i) non-aqueous liquid electrolytes, (ii) ionic liquids, (iii) solid polymer and (iv) glass-ceramic electrolytes. This article presents the properties, advantages and limitations of each type of electrolytes. Also the importance of electrolyte additives on the electrochemical performance of Li-S cells is discussed.

Highlights

The global warming and depletion of fossil fuel resources have accelerated immense research on energy storage devices unquestionably (Tarascon, 2001)
The Li–S batteries have inspired many researchers recently, because sulfur is electrochemically active and can accept up to two electrons per atom approximately at 2.1 V vs. Li/Li+. It has a high-theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh g−1, which corresponds to an energy density of 2600 Wh kg−1 or 2800 Wh l−1 based on weight or volume, respectively
Regarding the non-aqueous liquid electrolytes for lithium–sulfur batteries, no one system is found to be optimal in all aspects

Summary

ENERGY RESEARCH

Reviewed by: Xiqing Wang, Nanotek Instruments Inc., USA Jijeesh Ravi Nair, Politecnico di Torino, Italy Mariusz Walkowiak, Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals, Poland. This review article mainly encompasses on the state-of-the-art electrolytes for lithium– sulfur batteries. Different strategies have been employed to address the issues of lithium– sulfur batteries across the world. One among them is identification of electrolytes and optimization of their properties for the applications in lithium–sulfur batteries. The electrolytes for lithium–sulfur batteries are broadly classified as (i) non-aqueous liquid electrolytes, (ii) ionic liquids, (iii) solid polymer, and (iv) glass-ceramic electrolytes. This article presents the properties, advantages, and limitations of each type of electrolytes. The importance of electrolyte additives on the electrochemical performance of Li–S cells is discussed

INTRODUCTION

Angulakshmi and Stephan