Enbo Zhao

Graphene–Li2S–Carbon Nanocomposite for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) with a high theoretical specific capacity of 1166mAh g(-1) is a promising cathode material for next-generation Li-S batteries with high specific energy. However, low conductivity of Li2S and polysulfide dissolution during cycling are known to limit the rate performance and cycle life of these batteries. Here, we report on the successful development and application of a nanocomposite cathode comprising graphene covered by Li2S nanoparticles and protected from undesirable interactions with electrolytes. We used a modification of our previously reported low cost, scalable, and high-throughput solution-based method to deposit Li2S on graphene. A dropwise infiltration allowed us to keep the size of the heterogeneously nucleated Li2S particles smaller and more uniform than what we previously achieved. This, in turn, increased capacity utilization and contributed to improved rate performance and stability. The use of a highly conductive graphene backbone further increased cell rate performance. A synergetic combination of a protective layer vapor-deposited on the material during synthesis and in situ formed protective surface layer allowed us to retain ∼97% of the initial capacity of ∼1040 mAh gs(-1) at C/2 after over 700 cycles in the assembled cells. The achieved combination of high rate performance and ultrahigh stability is very promising.

Layered LiTiO2 for the protection of Li2S cathodes against dissolution: mechanisms of the remarkable performance boost

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathodes have been viewed as very promising candidates for next-generation lightweight Li and Li-ion batteries. Prior work on the deposition of carbon shells around Li2S particles showed reduced dissolution of polysulfides and improved cathode stability. However, due to the substantial volume changes during cycling and the low chemical binding energy between carbon and sulfides, defects almost inevitably forming in the carbon shell during battery operation commonly lead to premature cell failure. In this study, we show that conformal coatings of layered LiTiO2 may offer better protection against polysulfide dissolution and the shuttle effects. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that LiTiO2 exhibits a strong affinity for sulfur species (Li2Sx) and, most importantly, induces a rapid conversion of longer (highly soluble) polysulfides to short polysulfides, which exhibit minimum solubility in electrolytes. Quite remarkably, even the mere presence of the electronically conductive layered oxides (LiMO2, M = metal) such as LiTiO2 in the cathodes (e.g., as a component of the mix with Li2S) enhanced the cell rate and cycling stability dramatically. Advanced material characterization in combination with quantum chemistry calculations provided unique insights into the mechanisms of the incredible performance boost, such as interactions between Li2Sx and the LiTiO2 surface, leading to breakage of S–S bonds.

Nanostructured composites for high energy batteries and supercapacitors

High power energy storage devices, such as Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors, are critical for the development of zero-emission electric vehicles, large scale smart grid, energy efficient ships and locomotives, wearable devices and portable electronics. This review will focus on our progress with the developments of nanocomposite electrodes capable to improve both the energy and power storage characteristics of the state of the art devices. We review recent advancements in ultra-high capacity conversion-type anodes and cathodes for Li ion batteries as well as carbon-metal oxide and carbon-conductive polymer (nano)composite electrodes for supercapacitors. Various routes to overcome existing challenges will be discussed, including various solution deposition techniques, atomic layer deposition (ALD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and electro-deposition. Several designs and implementations of multi-functional electrodes will also be presented.