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Enhanced ALD Nucleation on Polymeric Separator for Improved Li-S Batteries
Giulio D'Acunto1, Sanzeeda Baig Shuchi1, Xueli Zheng2,3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 15, 2025
Summary
Atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide on separators enhances lithium-sulfur battery performance by adsorbing polysulfides, improving capacity and stability. This method addresses key challenges for advanced energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer high energy density but face challenges like the polysulfide shuttle effect, impacting performance.
- The polysulfide shuttle effect leads to capacity decay and poor cycling stability in Li-S batteries.
- Separator modification is a key strategy to mitigate the shuttle effect and improve Li-S battery operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) on polymer separators for Li-S batteries.
- To enhance polysulfide adsorption and suppress the shuttle effect using ALD-modified separators.
- To evaluate the impact of ALD Al2O3 coating on the electrochemical performance and stability of Li-S cells.
Main Methods:
- Commercial polypropylene/polyethylene/polypropylene (PP/PE/PP) separators were coated with Al2O3 using ALD.
- UV ozone treatment was employed to improve ALD nucleation and coating uniformity.
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used for surface characterization.
- Electrochemical testing, including cycling performance and overpotential measurements, was conducted on Li-S cells with modified separators.
Main Results:
- ALD Al2O3 coating was successfully applied to the separator surface without altering its morphology.
- The modified separator demonstrated enhanced chemical interaction with polysulfides, promoting adsorption.
- Li-S batteries utilizing the ALD-enhanced separator achieved a specific capacity of approximately 1150 mAh/g.
- A reduction in lithium plating overpotential was observed, indicating improved interfacial kinetics.
Conclusions:
- ALD of Al2O3 on separators is an effective strategy to suppress the shuttle effect in Li-S batteries.
- The enhanced polysulfide adsorption by ALD-modified separators significantly improves specific capacity and cycling stability.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing high-performance Li-S batteries for various applications.
