Reduced polysulfide shuttle in lithium-sulfur batteries using Nafion-based separators

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • I. Bauer - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • S. Thieme - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • J. Brückner - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • H. Althues - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • S. Kaskel - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I (Author)

Abstract

Nafion-coated polypropylene separator (Celgard 2500) is used as cation-selective membrane for lithium sulfur batteries to suppress polysulfide diffusion enhancing the charge efficiency of the cells especially at low charge/discharge rates. The charge efficiency of the 10th cycle rises from about 70% to nearly 90% at a rate of C/20. The reduction of polysulfide penetration through the Nafion-coated Celgard 2500 is also proven by visual characterization. FTIR and SEM investigations verify a smooth and dense Nafion-coating on the porous polypropylene backbone of the separator. The influence of Nafion-loading on rate capability and discharge voltage is investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. With the lowest Nafion-loading of 0.25 mg cm-2 we are able to achieve a rate capability comparable to uncoated Celgard 2500 up to current densities of 3 mA cm-2, whereas the functionality as polysulfide shuttle inhibitor is largely preserved.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)417-422
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of power sources
Volume251
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2014
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Charge efficiency, Coated separator, Lithiated Nafion-coating, Lithium-sulfur battery, Polysulfide inhibition