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Chemistry and Operation of Li-S Batteries

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Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Key Parameters, Recent Advances, Challenges and Applications

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Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising high-energy-density energy storage systems. It is generally agreed that shuttle of the polysulfides in a functional battery is slowed by intense anchoring of the intermediates. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the chemistry involved. Here, using advanced quantum chemical computations, we examine the Li bond chemistry in Li-S batteries with concept of hydrogen bond. The Li bond, a strong dipole-dipole connection between Li-S cathode materials and Li polysulfides, is facilitated by electron-rich donors like pyridinic nitrogen (pN), and is further strengthened by the conjugative and inductive effect of scaffold materials having π-electrons like graphene. This research elucidates the importance of Li bond chemistry in Li-S cells and provides a comprehensive knowledge, which is helpful for rational choice of cathode materials and implementation of Li-S batteries in the practical applications.

Because of sulfur’s natural insulation, substantial volume expansion, shuttling of the soluble polysulfides, and, most critically, slow conversion of polysulfide intermediates, Li-S battery performance is still far from theoretical prediction. The electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries (e.g., lifespan, rate capability, cyclability, etc.) can be influenced by manipulating the architectures and functions of polymer materials; hence, they play an essential role in solving these problems. In this chapter a brief introduction of Li-S battery followed by its fundamental electrochemistry and challenges has been given. The mechanisms of operation of the Li-S batteries are then considered, with special emphasis on the uses of several polymers in all components.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Chemistry, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

    Nimra Jabeen & Aneeqa Husnain

  2. Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

    Umair Azhar, Muhammad Arif & Muhammad Sagir

  3. Air University School of Management (AUSOM), Air University Islamabad, Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan

    Muhammad Tanseer Hussain

  4. Institute of Physics, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

    Muhammad Bilal Tahir

Authors
  1. Nimra Jabeen
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  2. Aneeqa Husnain
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  3. Umair Azhar
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  4. Muhammad Arif
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  5. Muhammad Sagir
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  6. Muhammad Tanseer Hussain
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  7. Muhammad Bilal Tahir
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Correspondence to Muhammad Bilal Tahir .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

    Muhammad Suleman Tahir

  2. Institiute of Physics, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

    Muhammad Bilal Tahir

  3. Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

    Muhammad Sagir

  4. Chemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

    Abdullah Mohamed Asiri

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© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Jabeen, N. et al. (2024). Chemistry and Operation of Li-S Batteries. In: Tahir, M.S., Tahir, M.B., Sagir, M., Asiri, A.M. (eds) Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Key Parameters, Recent Advances, Challenges and Applications. Springer Tracts in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2796-8_3

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