Dry-Films Containing Vanadium Tetrasulfide as Cathode Active Material for Solid-State Batteries with High Rate Capability

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Pascal Seete - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Felix Hippauf - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Susanne Dörfler - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Holger Althues - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Niklas M. Abke - , University of Münster (Author)
  • Simon Wiemers-Meyer - , University of Münster (Author)
  • Kentaro Kuratani - , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Author)
  • Tomonari Takeuchi - , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Author)
  • Hikari Sakaebe - , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kyushu University (Author)
  • Martin Winter - , University of Münster, Jülich Research Centre (Author)
  • Stefan Kaskel - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of vanadium tetrasulfide (VS4) cathodes for solid-state lithium batteries, utilizing innovative material characterization techniques, including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and focused ion beam-SEM. The effects of milling intensity and solid electrolyte (SE) content on microstructural evolution and electrochemical performance are thoroughly examined. VS4 composites are analyzed, revealing significant morphological and structural transformations. Notably, ToF-SIMS provides unprecedented insights into the lithiation process, highlighting the formation of lithium sulfide species and structural changes during cycling. Electrochemical testing demonstrates that high energy ball-milled composites exhibit superior discharge rate capability and cycling stability, achieving discharge capacities of up to 1466 mAh gs−1 at 0.05 C and 1150 mAh gs−1 at 1.00 C. The study emphasizes the critical role of SE content in enhancing lithium ion conductivity and interfacial contact, contributing to improved electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the development of a scalable dry-film processing method is explored, showcasing its potential for high power density applications. Overall, this research underscores the viability of VS4 as a promising cathode material for fast charging solid-state batteries, paving the way for advanced sulfur-based energy storage technologies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202500810
JournalBatteries and Supercaps
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Nov 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • high rate capability, metalsulfides, microstructural analysis, solid-state batteries, sulfidic electrolyte, tribochemistry, vanadium tetrasulfide