Solid state lithiation-delithiation of sulphur in sub-nano confinement: a new concept for designing lithium-sulphur batteries.

ABSTRACT: We investigate the detailed effects and mechanisms of sub-nano confinement on lithium-sulfur (Li-S) electrochemical reactions in both ether-based and carbonate-based electrolytes. Our results demonstrate a clear correlation between the size of sulfur confinement and the resulting Li-S electrochemical mechanisms. In particular, when sulfur is confined within sub-nano pores, we observe identical lithium-sulfur electrochemical behavior, which is distinctly different from conventional Li-S reactions, in both ether and carbonate electrolytes. Taken together, our results highlight the critical importance of sub-nano confinement effects on controlling solid-state reactions in Li-S electrochemical systems.

SUBMITTER: Fu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5975833 | biostudies-other | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other