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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
12:28
Non-aqueous Electrode Processing and Construction of Lithium-ion Coin Cells
Published on: February 1, 2016
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Cathode-Electrolyte Interfacial Processes in Lithium∥Sulfur Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Conditions.
Yifan Zhao1, Jian Zhang1, Juchen Guo1,2
1Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 30, 2021
Summary
Achieving high energy in lithium-sulfur batteries requires low electrolyte/sulfur ratios. This study reveals a kinetic bottleneck at low ratios, hindering performance, but suggests improved polysulfide adsorption can enhance capacity.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratios are crucial for high specific energy in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries.
- Lean electrolyte conditions often lead to reduced capacity and poor cycle life in Li-S batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interfacial processes on sulfur cathodes under low E/S ratios.
- To understand the causes of capacity fade and poor cyclability in Li-S batteries with lean electrolytes.
Main Methods:
- Operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to analyze interfacial resistance.
- Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) was employed to assess kinetic bottlenecks.
Main Results:
- EIS revealed a rapid increase in charge-transfer resistance during polysulfide conversion at low E/S ratios.
- Li-ion mass transfer limitations at the interphase create a kinetic bottleneck.
- GITT confirmed this bottleneck through significant discharge overpotentials.
Conclusions:
- Kinetic limitations, specifically Li-ion mass transfer, impede performance in Li-S batteries with low E/S ratios.
- Enhancing the adsorption of dissolved polysulfides can mitigate these limitations.
- Improving polysulfide adsorption offers a strategy to boost achievable capacity under lean electrolyte conditions.
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