APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
Lithium Sulfur rechargeable batteries for
- Electric vehicles
- Consumer electronic devices
ADVANTAGES:
- Enables reliable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries
- Extends Li-S battery lifetime
- Economic, readily-available material
ABSTRACT:
Researchers at Berkeley Lab led by Gao Liu have found that carrageenan, a seaweed derivative, acts as a stabilizer in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The researchers determined that the naturally-occurring material works as well as a synthetic polymer to buffer the polysulfide shuttle effect typical of Li-S batteries and, instead, maintain the integrity of the sulfur electrode to improve electrochemical performance.
For details, see the publication linked here and below.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to offer higher energy capacity than lithium-ion batteries at a lower cost. However, sulfur cathodes in Li-S batteries suffer from poor cyclability and low conductivity due to the polysulfide shuttling effect. The Berkeley Lab technology applies an advanced material approach to help Li-S batteries achieve their commercial potential.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle. Sample materials have been tested.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
STATUS: Published PCT application PCT/US2017/015990 (publication WO2017136409). Available for licensing or collaborative research.
SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD:
Nanostructured Sulfur Electrodes for Long Life Lithium Batteries, IB-3049
Conductive Binder for Lithium Ion Battery Electrode – IB-2643, IB-2643A, IB-3279
