Nanomaterials for future generation Lithium Sulphur batteries

Purpose and goal

The aim was to create a new lithium-sulfur battery with high energy density with the goal of achieving 600 mAHg-1 for at least 100 charging cycles. The project is implemented jointly with groups and companies in Sweden, Germany and Austria. We have achieved a stable lithium-sulfur battery which can be charged and discharged many more times than the target but with a lower energy density. We identify the amount of electrolyte required for stability to be too high that it adversely acts on the energy density. The amount of sulfur contained in the cathode must also increase to reach the goal.

Expected results and effects

We have managed to make a battery that has characteristics that it is worth working with. We have identified the problems we have to solve. We have also identified the materials and the processes that work the best (see the project´s joint report) and at Uppsala University, we plan to use this knowledge in cooperation with the SME spin-off company LifeSize and its electrode-coater sponsored by the Swedish Energy Agency. Several publications and a master´s thesis have been reported. The effect is a general knowledge about the importance of making good components for a functioning battery.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consisted of 6 parts. Germany´s work has been to both create new types of carbon structures and to load them and make carbon cathodes with different amounts of sulfur, and then test the result in a battery. The work in Austria was to scale up electrode processes and study the electrode coatings. Uppsala´s part has been to provide the electrolyte, the binder for the cathode and to study the lithium metal as the anode. Scania has contributed with material analysis and an end-user perspective on demands on a battery for automotive applications. The cooperation has worked very well.