Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries.

Energy density is the main property of rechargeable batteries that has driven the entire technology forward in past decades. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) now surpass other, previously competitive battery types (for example, lead–acid and nickel metal hydride) but still require extensive further improvement to, in particular, extend the operation hours of mobile IT devices and the driving mileages of all-electric vehicles. In this Review, we present a critical overview of a wide range of post-LIB materials and systems that could have a pivotal role in meeting such demands. We divide battery systems into two categories: near-term and long-term technologies. To provide a realistic and balanced perspective, we describe the operating principles and remaining issues of each post-LIB technology, and also evaluate these materials under commercial cell configurations. Post-lithium-ion batteries are reviewed with a focus on their operating principles, advantages and the challenges that they face. The volumetric energy density of each battery is examined using a commercial pouch-cell configuration to evaluate its practical significance and identify appropriate research directions.

Promise and reality of post-lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities

Metal Oxides and Oxysalts as Anode Materials for Li Ion Batteries

With the increasing demand for efficient and economic energy storage, Li-S batteries have become attractive candidates for the next-generation high-energy rechargeable Li batteries because of their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. Starting from a brief history of Li-S batteries, this Review introduces the electrochemistry of Li-S batteries, and discusses issues resulting from the electrochemistry, such as the electroactivity and the polysulfide dissolution. To address these critical issues, recent advances in Li-S batteries are summarized, including the S cathode, Li anode, electrolyte, and new designs of Li-S batteries with a metallic Li-free anode. Constructing S molecules confined in the conductive microporous carbon materials to improve the cyclability of Li-S batteries serves as a prospective strategy for the industry in the future.

Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Electrochemistry, Materials, and Prospects

In this paper, the use of nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is reviewed. Nanostructured materials such as nano-carbons, alloys, metal oxides, and metal sulfides/nitrides have been used as anodes for next-generation LIBs with high reversible capacity, fast power capability, good safety, and long cycle life. This is due to their relatively short mass and charge pathways, high transport rates of both lithium ions and electrons, and other extremely charming surface activities. In this review paper, the effect of the nanostructure on the electrochemical performance of these anodes is presented. Their synthesis processes, electrochemical properties, and electrode reaction mechanisms are also discussed. The major goals of this review are to give a broad overview of recent scientific researches and developments of anode materials using novel nanoscience and nanotechnology and to highlight new progresses in using these nanostructured materials to develop high-performance LIBs. Suggestions and outlooks on future research directions in this field are also given.

Recent developments in nanostructured anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

The lithium–sulfur battery holds a high theoretical energy density, 4–5 times that of today’s lithium-ion batteries, yet its applications have been hindered by poor electronic conductivity of the sulfur cathode and, most importantly, the rapid fading of its capacity due to the formation of soluble polysulfide intermediates (Li2Sn, n = 4–8). Despite numerous efforts concerning this issue, combatting sulfur loss remains one of the greatest challenges. Here we show that this problem can be effectively diminished by controlling the sulfur as smaller allotropes. Metastable small sulfur molecules of S2–4 were synthesized in the confined space of a conductive microporous carbon matrix. The confined S2–4 as a new cathode material can totally avoid the unfavorable transition between the commonly used large S8 and S42–. Li–S batteries based on this concept exhibit unprecedented electrochemical behavior with high specific capacity, good cycling stability, and superior rate capability, which promise a practicable bat...

Smaller sulfur molecules promise better lithium-sulfur batteries.

An aqueous rechargeable lithium battery with good cycling performance.

Nanowire arrays of amorphous carbon-coated single-crystal SnO2 with a mean diameter of approximately 80 nm were synthesized by annealing the anodic alumina membrane filled with SnO2 sol. HRTEM and SAED revealed the crystallography of the single crystal and the in situ formed amorphous carbon tubes. When they were used as anodes in lithium ion batteries, the cycling performance was greatly improved.

Nahong Zhao

Papers

Smaller sulfur molecules promise better lithium-sulfur batteries.

An aqueous rechargeable lithium battery with good cycling performance.

Preparation of Nanowire Arrays of Amorphous Carbon Nanotube-Coated Single Crystal SnO2

Characteristics of an aqueous rechargeable lithium battery (ARLB)

Polycrystalline SnO2 nanowires coated with amorphous carbon nanotube as anode material for lithium ion batteries