Light‐Driven Polymer‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Sulfur Battery Operating at Room Temperature

Abstract

Poly(ethylene oxide)‐based polymer all‐solid‐state LiS battery is a promising candidate due to its high specific energy, good processability, and low cost. However, the poor room temperature ionic conductivity limits its further development. Here an innovative photothermal battery technology is proposed to realize the normal operation at room temperature. This design places the 3D Cu substrate with Cu/Si core‐shell structures between Li anode and outer encapsulation glass, so that the light can come in and generate heat efficiently by utilizing the carrier nonradiative recombination of Si nano shell, then the heat quickly transfers to the battery system through Cu core. Once simulated sunlight irradiates, the battery achieves a fast reaction kinetics and superior photothermal conversion, thus realizing a lifespan of over 20 cycles with a capacity of 1089.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. Even on the actual sunlight irradiation, a high discharge/charge capacity of 1065.2/1036.5 mAh g−1 is also reached, indicating an excellent reversible electrochemical process. Moreover, the 3D nanostructure can accommodate the fatal volume variation of lithium and reduce the effective current density, thus suppressing the dendrite nucleation and growth. This study will open the avenue to develop a room temperature polymer all‐solid‐state LiS battery using photothermal technology.

Field‐assisted electrocatalysts spark sulfur redox kinetics: From fundamentals to applications

“…[ 26 ] In addition, harnessing the inherent photothermal effects to achieve internal heating paves another way to accelerate LiPSs conversion. [ 124–126 ] Apart from the externally powered system mentioned above, Gao groups innovated self‐driven Li–S batteries by integrating perovskite solar cells and conventional Li–S batteries into a three‐electrode system. [ 127 ]…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 124 ] Copyright 2022, Wiley‐VCH. (C) Schematic illustration of integrated solar storable batteries and corresponding cycling stability for the last 40 power‐supply cycles.…”

2D-Channel-Forming Catechol-Based Polyphosphates as Solid Polymer Electrolytes and Their Microstructure-Assisted Li-Ion Conductivity

“…11−14 Solid electrolytes surpass conventional liquid electrolytes in electronic properties such as substantial electrochemical stability, wide operating temperature range, and feasible battery-package formation. 1,2,14 Two classes of solid-phase electrolytes are available for Li-ion batteries, viz., inorganic compound-based electrolytes 15 and organic polymerbased electrolytes. 16,17 The solid electrolytes based on inorganic compounds are single-ion conductors, and that reduces most of the adverse side reactions and decomposition of electrolytes.…”

“…In battery technology, advancement in the electrolyte system from traditional liquid to solid has created a revolution toward producing energy-dense lithium batteries on an industrial scale. − Solid electrolytes surpass conventional liquid electrolytes in electronic properties such as substantial electrochemical stability, wide operating temperature range, and feasible battery-package formation. ,, Two classes of solid-phase electrolytes are available for Li-ion batteries, viz., inorganic compound-based electrolytes and organic polymer-based electrolytes. , The solid electrolytes based on inorganic compounds are single-ion conductors, and that reduces most of the adverse side reactions and decomposition of electrolytes. , However, the operation of inorganic solid electrolytes under a high current density is delicate because the Li-ion transfer is slower than that of typical organic solvent-based electrolytes. Alternatively, organic polymer electrolytes, comprising a polymer matrix and an appropriate amount of lithium salts, form a solid–electrolyte interface and thereby restrict decomposition or other side reactions.…”

“…Such applications require high energy density and low self-discharge. Intense efforts have been made for developing novel materials for LIBs that are economical and safe. − Electrolyte plays a crucial role in a LIB, since it facilitates the movement of the Li ions between the cathode and the anode. , The commercial LIBs use a solution of lithium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in a mixture of ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, or dimethyl carbonate as the electrolyte. However, in large batteries used in automotive and stationary applications, the increase in temperature of batteries coupled with the inflammability of organic solvents and instability of LiPF 6 due to its reaction with traces of protic species in the electrolyte can lead to fire or explosion. − …”