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Bi-functional nafion/γ-Al2O3 membrane for stable Li-sulfur battery cathode

Researchers at Tianjin University (China) report another approach to stabilizing the performance of a Li-sulfur battery. In a paper in the Journal of Power Sources, they describe the preparation of a sulfur cathode modified by a bi-functional nafion/γ-Al2O3 (aluminum oxide) membrane which can “remarkably” immobilize the polysulfides—a major cause of rapid capacity degradation—within the unique cathode structure due to its ion selectivity and absorbent capacity.

They report a high initial discharge capacity of 1448.0 mAh g−1 can be achieved at 1C and a capacity of 788.6 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, indicating a slow degradation. The coulombic efficiency remains as high as 97% during cycling.

The researchers attributed the excellent electrochemical properties to the bifunctional and stable membrane which reduces the polysulfide shuttle effect and maintains its integrity even after charging–discharging for 200 cycles.

Resources

  • Xiaoyan Liu, Zhongqiang Shan, Kunlei Zhu, Jiangyong Du, Qiwei Tang, Jianhua Tian (2015) “Sulfur electrode modified by bifunctional nafion/γ-Al2O3 membrane for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries,” Journal of Power Sources, Volume 274, Pages 85-93, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.10.039

Comments

HarveyD

One more micro-step?

Lad

Harvey:
Right you are; the whole World is waiting for the "Better Battery;" Methinks Tesla will lead the way for production of traction batteries as Nissan squanders their opportunity.

HarveyD

One of those days, somebody may have the bright idea to combine those mini and micro steps into one Superior battery and have it mass produced in a place where patents are not over protected.

China could do it for their local huge market.

SJC

Nafion is the material used in PEM fuel cells, they know how to make it, but it is expensive right now. Maybe economies of scale can help if batteries AND fuel cells use it.

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