Combining theory with experiment to establish a new polymer lithium-sulfur battery

The researchers discovered that the new lithium-sulfur battery can achieve double the capacity of traditional models after over 100 charge cycles. This advancement brings the technology closer to practical application in electric vehicles and other high-demand fields.  This image illustrates the formation of complex ion clusters during the cycling of lithium-sulfur battery cells. These clusters consist of a cationic polymer binder, the electrolyte, and anionic sulfur active material. The development of such structures plays a crucial role in enhancing battery performance. Lithium-sulfur batteries are seen as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries due to their lower cost, lighter weight, and higher energy density. However, they face challenges related to stability and electrode degradation over time, which have hindered their widespread adoption. Recently, a team from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a new type of lithium-sulfur battery that doubles the capacity of traditional models and maintains performance through over 100 charge cycles at high current densities. This is a critical milestone for applications in electric vehicles and aerospace. The breakthrough came from the design of a novel polymer binder that actively controls the movement of ions within the battery. By regulating the chemical processes at the molecular level, this polymer significantly improves the battery's stability and efficiency. Brett Helms, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, explained, “The new polymer acts like a wall that holds sulfur in place within the carbon structure. It prevents sulfur compounds from escaping, which enhances the battery's performance and paves the way for next-generation electric vehicles.” During charging and discharging, sulfur molecules can detach from the electrode, leading to instability and reduced capacity. To address this, researchers have been developing protective coatings and advanced adhesives. The new polymer not only binds sulfur molecules but also prevents them from migrating, ensuring better performance over time. The team also conducted large-scale simulations using supercomputing resources at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). These simulations confirmed the polymer's ability to interact with various sulfur species under different charging conditions. Experimental validation from Lawrence Berkeley and Argonne National Laboratories further supported these findings. Through extensive testing, the researchers demonstrated that the new polymer significantly improves the battery's capacity and power output. The United States Department of Energy’s Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) has recognized this innovation as a key step toward commercializing advanced lithium-sulfur batteries.

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