Transition Metal Ion Chemically Induced Interface Resistant to Li Polysulfide Corrosion on the Li Metal Anode for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer high energy density but suffer from lithium metal anode degradation due to polysulfide shuttle.
• This degradation mechanism significantly reduces the achievable energy density and cycle life of Li-S systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative interfacial engineering strategy to address lithium metal anode degradation in Li-S batteries.
• To create a protective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that mitigates polysulfide shuttle and electrolyte decomposition.

Main Methods:

• Utilized transition metal ion synergies, specifically nickel, for interfacial engineering.
• Employed chemically induced anion modulation to form an inorganic-dominant SEI on the lithium anode surface.
• Investigated the SEI's protective capabilities against polysulfide corrosion and electrolyte decomposition.

Main Results:

• Nickel species spontaneously formed a protective SEI on the lithium anode.
• The engineered SEI exhibited dual functionality, passivating polysulfide corrosion and reducing electrolyte decomposition.
• Achieved significant cycling stability (76.4% capacity retention) even in LiNO3-free configurations.

Conclusions:

• The developed interfacial engineering strategy effectively protects the lithium anode in Li-S batteries.
• This approach offers a promising framework for realizing practically viable high-energy-density Li-S systems.
• Rational interface design is crucial for overcoming key challenges in next-generation energy storage.