Voltage-Responsive Coating for Lithium-Sulfur Battery

Summary

Researchers in the UCLA Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have developed a lithium-sulfur battery that overcomes the poor recharging and short lifespan problems common among other lithium-sulfur battery configurations.

Background

Lithium ion batteries are widely used in applications ranging from portable electronics to electric cars but offer only limited charge capacity and contain relatively expensive materials. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been considered an attractive alternative because they present superior energy density with lower raw material cost. Current Li-S batteries, however, suffer from self-discharge, fast capacity fading, poor cycling life, and rapid reduction in efficiency. There is a need for improved Li-S technologies to advance rechargeable battery performance and use.

Innovation

UCLA researchers have developed a battery with a sulfur-containing cathode that provides improved capacity retention with repeated charge-discharge cycles. The key to the invention is applying a voltage-responsive metal compound to the cathode to inhibit outward diffusion of polysulfide compounds, while allowing transport of lithium ions. Devising a means of controlling these mechanisms has limited other attempts to develop practical Li-S battery designs.

Applications

• Li-S batteries for high energy applications 
• Electric vehicles 
• Portable electronics 
• Portable tools

Advantages

• High specific density 
• Low cost 
• Long cycling life

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending