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Flexible Lithium-Sulfur Battery: Half and Full Cell System

Undergraduate #384
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)

JustOne M. Crosby - Western Michigan University
Co-Author(s): Abdulrazzag Sawas, Babu Ganguli, and Leela Arava, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI



Growth in flexible electronic markets have increased the demand for flexible energy storage outputs. This has required development of batteries with elastic qualities. Conventionally, lithium–ion batteries are used to power rollup displays, smart electronics, and wearable devices. The Li-ion battery, which has a theoretical capacity of 120 mAh/g, will be unreliable for future innovations within electronic markets. Batteries such as these typically house a flammable electrolyte, while being expensive and having low capacity. Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which use safe and cost-effective materials, exhibit five times greater capacity than Li-ion batteries. Li-S batteries have a theoretical capacity of 1673 mAh/g making them a good alternative to power a variety of electronics. The purpose of this research is to combine the Li-S battery system with a versatile packaging, to promote a new innovative approach to portable electronics—flexibility. Electronics with flexible Li-S batteries would be lighter, safer, and run longer. In the electronics’ industry, there is a lack of focus on flexible materials or packaging that will work with various elements to produce a battery cell. In this study, carbon paper is used as a key flexible component to the battery. It is initially introduced for the sulfur and sulfur species retention in the charging process. In the Li-S battery, carbon cloth is used as a host for sulfur cathode and polysulfide dissolved in electrolyte fluid. Lithium functions as the anode. This battery demonstrates stable capacity and efficient charge/discharge cycles. However, the Li-S battery needs improvement in terms of life time. Further research involves methods to decrease high internal resistance and packaging techniques which promote perfect pressure between the cathode and anode. These improvements should allow for more efficient charging and greater battery life.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): LSAMP

Faculty Advisor: Abdulrazzag Sawas, ex227799@gmail.com

Role: During this research, I fabricated half cell batteries using lithium and sulfur; I conducted tests to check for voltage, capacity, and cycle rates. I also investigated various packaging types that will promote a long lasting air-tight seal and a more pressurized atmosphere for the cell.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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