Bulk Scale Synthesis of a Novel Dual Core-Shelled Sulfur Cathode
Composite for High-Power Lithium-Sulfur Batteries With
Application for Use in Electric Vehicles
Introduction
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are an economically and
environmentally advantageous solution to the high
demands for energy output in electric vehicles (EVs). LSBs
have the capability of replacing currently used EV battery
technology due to their high performance, low cost, and
increased sustainability contributing to their significant
positive impact.3 Despite having a high theoretical
potential, commercialization is a widespread challenge.
The polysulfide shuttle effect occurs during discharge,
when sulfur is reduced to form soluble polysulfides (viz.
Li2 S8, Li2S6, Li2S4 ) which are reduced further, leading to a
significant loss in capacity. During cycling, sulfur in the
cell can expand up to 80%, rendering the battery
unstable. The low conductivity of sulfur contributes to
sluggish kinetics. Additionally, current LSB research
usually relies on complicated and expensive processes to
address many of these issues. This experiment utilized a
practical bulk-synthetic method to develop a
Matryoshka-like, dual-shelled structure containing
polysulfide-absorbing materials, conductive carbons, and
sulfur cross-linked polyaniline, to achieve high
performances.1,2 This novel material was analyzed
through characterization (Figure 5, Figure 6) and through
coin cell cycling. The cells yielded an initial capacity of up
to 1137 mAh g-1, which is significantly higher than that of
the LIB control (ANOVA p<0.0001) (Figure 4),
demonstrating promise in the Matryoshka-like structure
and in the bulk synthetic fabrication method for further
research.
Overview
Purpose: To develop a high-power LSB cell using
commercially applicable methods with the end goal of
ultimately realizing a more cost-efficient EV power source
that—by using more efficient and less expensive
materials—would result in an overall decrease of carbon
emissions due to the increased availability and efficiency
of EVs.
HE : By utilizing the fabricated cathode material,
performances of constructed LSB coin cells would be
increased
Independent Variable: Fabricated cathode material
Dependent Variable: Performance of material through
coin cells quantified through cell cycling
Bianca Turner
Oak Park and River Forest High School
2023
Workflow and Finalized Material Limitations and Future Research
Figure 1. Procedural Workflow and Iterated Material Structure There were a limited amount of cells that could be
fabricated which could leave uncertain the true effect of
Reduced Graphene Oxide
First Iteration Fabrication the cathode material. Future research would entail
25-100
Microns Titanium Dioxide optimizing the structure of the cathode and constructing
more coin cells to test and bring LSBs to
Coin Cell Development commercialization.
Applications to Biotechnology
The data from this experiment allows the rejection of the
Second Iteration Fabrication null hypothesis (Figure 4). The immense increase in
Sulfur Crossed- capacity for the fabricated LSB cell is indicative of
Polyaniline
improved functionality compared to the performance of
Coin Cell Development LIB coin cells. There is a visible gap between the
Loose Sulfur
Carbon Nanotubes development of a high-performing LSB using a practical
fabrication process.3 This research brings LSBs closer to
Methodology practical employment in EVs. The advantages of LSBs
To fabricate the 1st iteration cathode, an initial layer of conductive materials was developed, after which an stem from their numerous economic, environmental, and
encapsulating layer was added. Titanium dioxide coated all components of the structure.2 The material was thermally performance benefits. These findings could lead to the
reduced to form reduced graphene oxide (out of a precursor). Sulfur nanoparticles were infiltrated into the structure actualization of EVs powered by LSBs. This would
and a slurry was prepared. The slurry was cast onto aluminum foil and disks were punched the circumference of the decrease prices and increase the availability of EVs to
cell casing. Coin cells were constructed in a glove box (Figure 2) and cell cycling was initiated (Figure 3). billions of people worldwide. The increased availability
Upon initial cycling it was determined the material could be Figure 2. Cell Development Figure 3. Cell Cycling could contribute to the replacement
y of combustion
further optimized and a 2nd iteration was developed. For the engine vehicles and bring about a significant decrease in
2nd iteration, the 1st iteration material pre-sulfur infiltration was transportation emissions. Decreasing the effect of climate
used as a template. With this material, a polyaniline coating was change and increasing sustainability of energy storage
formed around the structure. Sulfur was infiltrated and could have tremendous global impact.
polyaniline was vulcanized to form sulfur cross-linked polyaniline
(Figure 1). With this material, a slurry was prepared and casted.
Acknowledgements
• Professor Braja Mandal, Ph.D., Mandal Lab, Illinois
Cells were developed and cycling was initiated.
Institute of Technology
Results • Professor T. Alan Hatton, Ph.D., Massachusetts
Figure 4. Mean Capacities with 95% CI Bars Figure 5. EDS of Iteration 1 Figure 6. EDS of Iteration 2 Institute of Technology
• Dr. Joaquín Rodríguez-López, Ph.D., University of
721.7 ± 14.0
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ANOVA p-value: <0.0001 • Allison Hennings, R.N., B.S.N., M.A.T., OPRFHS
References
Capacity mAh g⁻¹
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Control Experimental *See additional reference list*