High theoretical specific energy density (2600Wh/kg) and high specific capacity (1675mA/g) along with natural abundance and low toxicity of sulfur have been attracting significant attention for development of an alternative battery system to replace traditional lithium ion batteries which suffer from safety and capacity/energy density limitations. However, challenges such as polysulfide dissolution and shuttling prevent mass commercialization of sulfur cathode batteries. Here we show a practical yet comprehensive approach for development of high performance lithium sulfur batteries. Aramid nanofiber (ANF) [1] based composite separators not only prevent dendrite formation [2] but also confine polysulfides on the cathode side (Figure). These composite membranes consist diverse and opposing properties including high mechanical properties, high ionic conductivity and high thermal/chemical stability. Therefore they provide a safe and long cycle life as well as high performance lithium sulfur batteries. Fabrication of such safe, affordable, flexible and high energy density battery is quite crucial in powering next generation electronics including but not limited to portable, wearable and implantable devices.

Aramid nanofiber composite separators for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

2019 Spring National Meeting

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