Advancements in Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology: A Breakthrough by KERI
A research team led by Dr. Park Jun-woo at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has made a significant breakthrough that addresses a crucial barrier hindering the advancement of next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries. Their findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal, Advanced Science.
The Promise of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Lithium-sulfur batteries consist of sulfur as the cathode and lithium metal as the anode, offering a theoretical energy density that is over eight times higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries. This remarkable potential positions them as an appealing alternative for energy storage solutions. Furthermore, these batteries utilize widely available sulfur instead of costly rare earth materials, making them both economically viable and environmentally friendly. Given their lightweight design and longevity, lithium-sulfur technology is viewed as essential for supporting urban air mobility (UAM) advancements.
Challenges in Commercialization
Despite their advantages, one of the primary hurdles facing lithium-sulfur batteries is the production of lithium polysulfides during charging and discharging phases; these intermediates migrate between electrodes leading to undesired chemical reactions that diminish battery life and efficiency. This issue has long obstructed their commercial viability.
An Innovative Approach
The solution proposed by Dr. Park Jun-woo’s team integrates single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) with oxygen functional groups—an advancement that fortifies battery structure while enhancing functionality. SWCNT features impressive mechanical strength exceeding that of steel alongside electrical conductivity akin to copper; meanwhile, incorporating oxygen functional groups improves SWCNT’s distribution within battery mechanisms.
Enhancing Performance through Structural Stability
This combination effectively stabilizes electrodes during charge-discharge cycles—a factor crucial for accommodating geometric changes—and proficiently manages both dissolution and transfer rates of polysulfides within the battery system. These enhancements markedly minimize active material loss from sulfur.
A High-Capacity Prototype Creation
The remarkable flexibility offered by SWCNT complements its hydrophilic properties which yield smooth surface formations during electrode creation—facilitating larger-scale assembly into high-capacity units.
This innovation enabled researchers to successfully fabricate a flexible thick electrode measuring 50x60mm leading to the development of a pouch-type prototype with a capacity rating of 1,000mAh (1Ah). Impressively, this prototype retains over 85% capacity even after undergoing 100 full charge-discharge cycles.
Pioneering Industrial Applications
“Our approach not only resolves critical challenges associated with lithium-sulfur chemistry through our unique merger of SWCNT with oxygen functional groups but also pioneers designs for large-area applications,” remarked Dr. Park Jun-woo regarding their results.
“We have established practical groundwork poised for real-world industrial application—these advancements signify substantial progress towards commercially viable next-generation lithium-sulfur technologies.”
IrrcMore details can be found in:
Junyoung Heo et al., “A Promising Approach to Ultra-Flexible 1 Ah Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Using Oxygen‐Functionalized Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes,” Advanced Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202406536
Provided by National Research Council of Science and Technology
