High-Performance Electro-Spun Sulfur Wires for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel electrospinning methodology to create high-performance sulfur electrodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. These electrodes, made from electro-spun sulfur wires coated with a thin layer of conducting polymer, address key challenges in lithium-sulfur battery technology, including poor electronic conductivity, volumetric expansion, and polysulfide dissolution. The resulting sulfur cathodes exhibit high electronic conductivity, minimal volumetric expansion, improved rate capabilities, and superior cycling ability, making them ideal for use in thin lithium-sulfur batteries for small-scale mobile devices.
Description
The innovative sulfur electrodes are fabricated using an electrospinning process that produces yarn-like sulfur fibers (1-7 μm) with up to 30 wt% sulfur. These fibers are then coated with a conducting polymer layer, which acts as a physical barrier to the liquid lithium electrolyte, significantly reducing polysulfide dissolution. This design enhances the electronic conductivity and cycling stability of the sulfur cathodes. The textile-mat-like morphology of the electrodes, consisting of layers of sulfur wires and conducting polymers, further contributes to their high performance.Applications
• Lithium-sulfur batteries for small-scale mobile devices• Energy storage solutions for textiles and wearable electronics
• High-performance batteries for portable electronics