New sulfur-containing polymer increases lithium-ion conductivity at low cell stack pressures

“The latest developments in Li-Ion batteries are paving the way for more efficient and safer energy storage solutions, bringing us closer to a sustainable and renewable future.”

Lithium-ion batteries have become the most popular battery technology due to their high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and long cycle life. However, solid-state lithium-ion batteries have been hindered by high cell stack pressures required to maintain effective interfacial contact between the solid electrolyte and electrode active materials. This limitation complicates cell engineering and reduces the effective energy density of the battery.

Fortunately, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed a novel sulfur-containing polymer (PolyS) that increases the effective ionic conductivity of a composite solid electrolyte at cell stack pressures below 2.5 MPa. The PolyS outperforms the standard polyisobutene (PolyIB) polymer at low cell stack pressures when combined with a sulfide solid electrolyte, Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl).

This achievement provides a potential pathway to fabricate solid-state batteries that are better suited for electric vehicles, with effective interfacial contact and long cycling lifetimes at low cell stack pressures. The next step for researchers is to improve cell assembly methods to build a full cell capable of reverse cycling to examine battery performance and long-term stability.

Solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry by providing higher energy density, longer cycle life, and improved safety. This development in sulfur-containing polymers could lead to significant advancements in solid-state battery technology and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.