Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries have long been regarded as the emerging star of the global battery market, as they boast a capacity that is nearly four times as large as that of a mainstream lithium battery. With the use of a lithium sulfur battery, a mobile phone could remain charged for as long as five continuous days. A research team from Australia’s Monash University was able to successfully develop a new lithium-sulfur battery model that features such a capability.
Despite having some noticeable advantages and benefits over lithium ion batteries, the general design of a lithium-sulfur battery is still in need of some improvements. Another issue that is worth mentioning is the battery’s short life span; According to Monash University’s Mahdokht Shaibani, the electrodes of a lithium-sulfur battery will usually generate an excessive amount of “stress” that can cause the entire battery to crack and affect its overall longevity.
According to the research team, the lithium sulfur batteries would typically contract and expand during the charging and discharging processes. As the stress from these processes accumulates, it will eventually start to damage the battery’s overall performance level and electrode structure. The polymer binder of the battery which is responsible for holding the carbon and sulfur materials together will also be negatively affected.
To enable them to remain intactduring the electrode's expansion process, the research team had chosen to devise a new type of adhesive which can keep a gap between the carbon and sulfur. With the help of this structure, the sulfur cathode will be able to endure a much higher stress level. The lithium-sulfur battery as a whole will also be able to maintain its overall storage capacity and performance.
According the research team's recently published paper, it is currently satisfied with the performance and results of its new battery. The charging and discharging efficiency rate of the battery was able to reach 99% even after 200 charging and discharging cycles.
(image: shutterstock)
