Reduced Electrolyte in Lithium-Sulfur Battery to One Quarter

Structural Differences in Lithium Solvation Shells Between Conventional Electrolyte and Developed Electrolyte

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have developed a lithium-sulfur battery with the electrolyte reduced to one-quarter. With an energy density 2 to 3 times higher than that of lithium-ion batteries, this advancement is seen as a step closer to commercializing lithium-sulfur batteries, which are considered next-generation batteries.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 25th that a research team led by Professor Heetak Kim from the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering succeeded in reducing the electrolyte of lithium-sulfur batteries to one-quarter by utilizing salts with high electron-donating ability, such as lithium nitrate salt. The related research results were published in the international academic journal Advanced Energy Materials.

The research team overcame the limitations of lithium-sulfur batteries by replacing the lithium salt material. By using lithium nitrate salt, they increased the energy density of the lithium-sulfur battery while reducing the electrolyte to about one-quarter. Professor Heetak Kim said, "This research is significant in that it presents a design principle for electrolytes that can simultaneously enhance the performance of sulfur cathodes and lithium metal anodes," adding, "We hope it will be widely applied across the next-generation battery electrolyte design industry."

Lithium-sulfur batteries have an energy density 2 to 3 times higher than lithium-ion batteries and are considered next-generation batteries for use in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, unlike lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries require a very high electrolyte content. Excessive electrolyte, accounting for 40% of the battery weight, is necessary, which leads to increased weight and has been an obstacle to commercialization.

(From left) Professor Kim Hee-tak, Doctoral Candidate Jeong Jin-gwan

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