Safer lithium-sulfur battery based on nonflammable electrolyte with sulfur composite cathode

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising for high energy density applications.
• Developing safe and stable electrolytes is crucial for Li-S battery commercialization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of triethyl phosphate (TEP) as a co-solvent in Li-S battery electrolytes.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and safety of a novel Li-S battery electrolyte system.

Main Methods:

• A nonflammable solvent, triethyl phosphate (TEP), was incorporated as a co-solvent.
• A highly safe electrolyte system comprising 1 M LiBOB/TEP + FEC (7:3, v/v) was prepared.
• Sulfur composite cathodes were tested in the developed electrolyte.

Main Results:

• The Li-S battery with the novel electrolyte exhibited enhanced cycling performance.
• Satisfactory capacity retention of 91.3% was achieved after 500 cycles at a 1C rate.
• The use of TEP contributed to a safer electrolyte system.

Conclusions:

• Triethyl phosphate (TEP) is effective as a co-solvent for improving Li-S battery performance and safety.
• The developed LiBOB/TEP + FEC electrolyte offers a promising pathway for advanced Li-S batteries.
• This study highlights the potential of nonflammable solvents in next-generation energy storage.