The field of lithium – ion batteries has witnessed tremendous progress since Sony commercialized the first Li-ion battery in 1990. Despite intense research activity in all areas of cathodes and anodes, lithiated transition metal oxides and carbon are still considered the flagship electrodes. New alternative anodes such as silicon and tin have evolved over the last decade. Similarly, focus on identifying and developing high energy density systems such as Li-air and Li-S have also evolved over the last few years. As a result, there have been significant recent activity directed at high energy density Li-air and Li-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The Li-S systems are of significant interest due to the promise of attaining 500 Wh/kg and the economics of using sulfur, a natural industrial waste product. The system is hence, viewed favorably for realization of the targeted energy and power requirements for next generation electric vehicles. The system albeit suffers from poor Li and electron transport, more importantly, soluble polysulfides, and dendrite formation in Li metal anodes. As a result, the system displays inferior cell performance. The latter issue has major safety hazard ramifications.<br/>This presentation will discuss the recent results achieved in identifying new sulfur confinement cathodes with the ability to embed &gt; 5 mg/cm<sup>2</sup> sulfur loadings combined with incorporating first principles theory identified functional electrocatalysts and Li-ion conductors permitting high capacity (&gt;1000-1200 mAh/g) cathodes. Additionally, progress made in identifying and processing new dendrite free anode materials and current collectors will also be outlined. Results and promise of these new systems to achieving the 500 Wh/kg target will be described and discussed in detail.

Evolution of electrochemically active materials for high energy density Li-S batteries

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