The Li-S battery has been under intense scrutiny for over two decades, as it offers the possibility of high gravimetric capacities and theoretical energy densities ranging up to a factor of five beyond conventional Li-ion systems. Herein, we report the feasibility to approach such capacities by creating highly ordered interwoven composites. The conductive mesoporous carbon framework precisely constrains sulphur nanofiller growth within its channels and generates essential electrical contact to the insulating sulphur. The structure provides access to Li+ ingress/egress for reactivity with the sulphur, and we speculate that the kinetic inhibition to diffusion within the framework and the sorption properties of the carbon aid in trapping the polysulphides formed during redox. Polymer modification of the carbon surface further provides a chemical gradient that retards diffusion of these large anions out of the electrode, thus facilitating more complete reaction. Reversible capacities up to 1,320 mA h g(-1) are attained. The assembly process is simple and broadly applicable, conceptually providing new opportunities for materials scientists for tailored design that can be extended to many different electrode materials.

http://dns2.asia.edu.tw/~ysho/YSHO-English/1000%20WC/PDF/Nat%20Mat8,%20500.pdf

A highly ordered nanostructured carbon–sulphur cathode for lithium–sulphur batteries

A review on the key issues for lithium-ion battery management in electric vehicles

https://las493energy.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2005_vetter_jpowsourc.pdf

Ageing mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries

Thermal runaway caused fire and explosion of lithium ion battery

Lithium-ion batteries are well-suited for fully electric and hybrid electric vehicles due to their high specific energy and energy density relative to other rechargeable cell chemistries. However, these batteries have not been widely deployed commercially in these vehicles yet due to safety, cost, and poor low temperature performance, which are all challenges related to battery thermal management. In this paper, a critical review of the available literature on the major thermal issues for lithium-ion batteries is presented. Specific attention is paid to the effects of temperature and thermal management on capacity/power fade, thermal runaway, and pack electrical imbalance and to the performance of lithium-ion cells at cold temperatures. Furthermore, insights gained from previous experimental and modeling investigations are elucidated. These include the need for more accurate heat generation measurements, improved modeling of the heat generation rate, and clarity in the relative magnitudes of the various thermal effects observed at high charge and discharge rates seen in electric vehicle applications. From an analysis of the literature, the requirements for lithium-ion thermal management systems for optimal performance in these applications are suggested, and it is clear that no existing thermal management strategy or technology meets all these requirements.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1.3515880/pdf

A Critical Review of Thermal Issues in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Factors that affect cycle-life and possible degradation mechanisms of a Li-ion cell based on LiCoO2

The cycle life and capacity fading mechanisms of secondary sulfur electrodes prepared by two different electrode fabrication methods were studied in an effort to improve the energy density of the cathode. Cycle life improved substantially when the uniformity of carbon distribution around the sulfur particles improved and electrode density increased, improving the overall structural integrity of the carbon matrix. Capacity fading in a high-energy-density cathode is mainly due to structural failure by physical crack propagations of the electrode structure and subsequent formation of the electrochemically irreversible Li 2 S layer at cracked surfaces of carbon particles or masses. The capacity fading due to these mechanisms appears to be reduced substantially and significantly by improved structural integrity with uniform pore structure of the carbon matrix. A Li/S cell containing a cathode fabricated by the improved technique cycled over 400 cycles without any severe structural damage of the electrode structure.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1.1815153/pdf

Hong S. Lim

Papers

Factors that affect cycle-life and possible degradation mechanisms of a Li-ion cell based on LiCoO2

Capacity Fading Mechanisms on Cycling a High-Capacity Secondary Sulfur Cathode

High-density positive electrodes containing carbon nanotubes for use in Li-ion cells

Effects of metal oxide coatings on the thermal stability and electrical performance of LiCoCO2 in a Li-ion cell

Performance of Li-ion cells with new electrolytes conceived for low-temperature applications