Leakage-Proof Electrolyte Chemistry for a High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Battery

Electrolyte leakage is a severe safety concern in lithium batteries. With highly volatile 1,2-dimethoxyethane as solvent, the leakage related hazards are more pronounced in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. To address this concern, a leakage-proof electrolyte is delicately designed through functionalizing the commercial electrolyte by Li₆ PS₅ Cl-grafted poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate), which can interact readily with the aluminum-plastic packing through hydrogen bond to immobilize the electrolyte. The moisture from ambient can also catalyze a further polymerization of the macromolecules to seal the leaking points and thereby to solve the leakage issue, endowing Li-S batteries superior safety even in an artificial cut pouch cell. With a bare S loading of 4.9 mg cm^-2 , the battery can deliver good endurance owing to the suppressed polysulfide shuttle by its polar groups. This work enlightens the design of leakage-proof electrolyte and makes a milestone for high performance Li-S batteries.