A Synergetic Effect Between Lithium Polysulfide Anchoring and Lithium Dendrite Suppression for High-performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Using Cellulose Paper

This study aims to resolve the performance issues of Li-S batteries using KimWipes in three cell configurations cathode-side, anode-side, and both-sides. A no-KimWipe cell configuration is considered as a control. Substantial suppression of lithium polysulfide shuttling in the cathode-side configuration is observed owing to polar-polar interaction between higher-order dissolved polysulfides (Li2S8 to Li2S4) and abundant polar functional groups in the fibrous cellulose network of the KimWipes. On the anode side, KimWipes serve the dual roles of facilitating the homogeneous redistribution of Li ions during plating and stripping while minimizing the anchoring of polysulfide species migrating from the cathode. An electrochemical performance test is performed out at a C-rate of 0.1C, and the discharge-specific capacities at the first cycle for the cathode-side, anode-side, both-sides, and no-KimWipe cell configurations were 1,464.36, 1,286.95, 1,033.96, and 927.22 mAh g(-1) S, respectively. Experimental testing is performed for upto 250 cycles for type II and III cells, which show good specific discharge, capacities as well as stable reversibility and coulombic efficiency. The cathode-side KimWipe cell configuration maintained stable reversibility with a higher coulombic efficiency. Results of this study will contribute towards realizing high-performance Li-S batteries for commercial applications.