Ava Baak
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Richard Laine
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Materials Science and Engineering / Engineering
Program:
Authors: Ava Baak, Philyong Kim
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 87
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) offer exceptional capacities up to 5 times today’s lithium-graphite
materials; however, LSBs frequently experience cycling instability, resulting in gradual decreases in
capacity during multiple charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, LSBs often lose a notable amount of active
material over time, further impacting performance. The typical LSB uses an ether electrolyte with a
carbon-sulfur cathode. However, this electrolyte is volatile compared to those used for graphite-based
batteries and is incompatible with carbon-sulfur cathodes. Thus, new methods must be found to improve
carbon-sulfur cathodes to improve the overall success of LSBs. Within this research, carbon-sulfur
cathodes were coated in sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) containing the additive SDRHA50
to improve
compatibility with the electrolyte. Between trials, the ratio and thickness of materials were modified to
find optimal conditions for battery performance. Once battery cells were assembled, battery performance
was measured in terms of capacity, long-term stability, and coulombic efficiency. The SPAN/SDRHA50
coating shows promise in preventing system decay. Although research is ongoing, this work has improved
the overall performance of LSBs. Results have yet to get to a point of commercialization. Ideally, a
commercialized battery would produce a lithium-sulfur battery capable of stability over 300 cycles with a
capacity of around 1000 milliampere-hours per gram. Success in this research would result in a lighter,
lower cost, higher energy density battery compared to those using ether electrolytes. Common
applications include use in electric vehicles, stationary grid storage, and drones. The use of stable LSBs
holds the potential to significantly extend their travel distances and operational durations.
