Selenium and Selenium–Sulfur Chemistry for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries: Interplay of Cathode Structures, Electrolytes, and Interfaces

Journal Article · Thu Feb 09 04:00:00 EST 2017 · ACS Energy Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.6b00642· OSTI ID:1372066

Xu, Gui-Liang; Liu, Jianzhao; Amine, Rachid; Chen, Zonghai; Amine, Khalil

In the search for a transformative new energy storage system, the rechargeable Li/sulfur battery is considered as one of the promising candidates due to its much higher energy density and lower cost than state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. However, the insulating nature of sulfur and the dissolution of intermediary polysulfides into the electrolyte significantly hinder its practical application. Very recently, selenium and selenium-sulfur systems have received considerable attention as cathode materials for rechargeable batteries owing to the high electronic conductivity (20 orders of magnitude higher than sulfur) and high volumetric capacity (3254 mAh/cm3 ) of selenium. In this perspective, we present an overview of the implications of employing selenium and selenium-sulfur systems with different structures and compositions as electroactive materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. We also show how the cathode structures, electrolytes, and electrode-electrolyte interfaces affect the electrochemistry of Se and Se-S based cathodes. Furthermore, suggestions are provided on paths for future development of these cathodes.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (EE-3V)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 1372066
• Journal Information: ACS Energy Letters, Journal Name: ACS Energy Letters Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 2; ISSN 2380-8195
• Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English