Materials and mechanisms of electrochemical processes in lithium-sulfur cell

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) cells are now attracting a lot of attention among battery scientists and engineers due to their potential for replace current Li-ion technologies as ta main energy storage chemistry. It is well known that Li-S cells operate according to a significantly different mechanisms as compared to Li-ion chemistries. In particular, upon discharge the sulfur species undergo a set of complex electrochemical transitions starting from elemental sulfur down to Li2S. In order to design a viable Li-S battery, it is of decisive importance to fully understand this complex electrochemistry that needs aprotic solvents to function. This article is concise a review of mechanisms and materials involved in state-of-the-art Li-S cells. Electrochemical processes have been described according to the latest state of research, as well as main types of cathode, anode and electrolyte materials and chemicals. Also, main scientific and technological challenges and obstacle in designing commercially viable Li-S batteries have been pointed out