Formulating energy density for designing practical lithium–sulfur batteries

Zhou, Guangmin; Chen, Hao; Cui, Yi

doi:10.1038/s41560-022-01001-0

Formulating energy density for designing practical lithium–sulfur batteries

Journal Article · Thu Apr 21 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Nature Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-022-01001-0· OSTI ID:1872733

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Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
Stanford Univ., CA (United States); SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)

We report the lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is one of the most promising battery systems due to its high theoretical energy density and low cost. Despite impressive progress in its development, there has been a lack of comprehensive analyses of key performance parameters affecting the energy density of Li–S batteries. Here, we analyse the potential causes of energy loss during battery operations. We identify two key descriptors (R_weight and R_energy) that represent the mass- and energy-level compromise of the full-cell energy density, respectively. A formulation for energy density calculations is proposed based on critical parameters, including sulfur mass loading, sulfur mass ratio, electrolyte/sulfur ratio and negative-to-positive electrode material ratio. The current progress of Ah-level Li–S batteries is also summarized and analysed. Finally, future research directions, targets and prospects for designing practical high-performance Li–S batteries are proposed.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-76SF00515

OSTI ID:: 1872733

Journal Information:: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 7; ISSN 2058-7546

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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