Integrating a Photocatalyst into a Hybrid Lithium–Sulfur Battery for Direct Storage of Solar Energy

Abstract

AbstractDirect capture and storage of abundant but intermittent solar energy in electrical energy‐storage devices such as rechargeable lithium batteries is of great importance, and could provide a promising solution to the challenges of energy shortage and environment pollution. Here we report a new prototype of a solar‐driven chargeable lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) battery, in which the capture and storage of solar energy was realized by oxidizing S2− ions to polysulfide ions in aqueous solution with a Pt‐modified CdS photocatalyst. The battery can deliver a specific capacity of 792 mAh g−1 during 2 h photocharging process with a discharge potential of around 2.53 V versus Li+/Li. A specific capacity of 199 mAh g−1, reaching the level of conventional lithium‐ion batteries, can be achieved within 10 min photocharging. Moreover, the charging process of the battery can proceed under natural sunlight irradiation.