Invention:
This invention is a novel cathode composite design based on molybdenum sulfide particles dispersed within a conductive sulfur polymer backbone, prepared with vinylic comonomers, such as diisobutadiene (DIB). The polysulfide provides high conductivity and stable, robust chemistry in a tuneable and simple 2-D design. Capacities of 500 to more than 1,000 mAh/g have been achieved after many charge/discharge cycles for various compositions.
Background:
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been heavily researched, due to theoretical advantages of high capacity and energy density by weight, improved safety compared to lithium-ion batteries, low cost, and the potential to enable mass market transportation applications. However, barriers to achieving this promise include limited cycle lifetimes, large capacity fading, the low conductivity of sulfur, and complicated proposed solutions to overcome these challenges. A solution is needed to prevent cathode degradation during cycling with a simple cathode design that can be further optimized.
Applications:
- Li-S batteries with fast charge/discharge rates and long life
- Simple polymer synthesis and cathode design
- Applicable for use in military systems, urban electric vehicles, marine propulsion, unmanned aerial vehicles, and grid storage
Advantages:
- Simple polymer synthesis and cathode design
- Stable chemistry enables high performance
Status: issued U.S. patents #9,567,439 and #10,833,330.
