Simultaneous Suppression of the Dendrite Formation and Shuttle Effect in a Lithium–Sulfur Battery by Bilateral Solid Electrolyte Interface

Abstract

Although the reversible and inexpensive energy storage characteristics of the lithium–sulfur (Li-S) battery have made it a promising candidate for electrical energy storage, the dendrite growth (anode) and shuttle effect (cathode) hinder its practical application. Here, it is shown that new electrolytes for Li-S batteries promote the simultaneous formation of bilateral solid electrolyte interfaces on the sulfur-host cathode and lithium anode, thus effectively suppressing the shuttle effect and dendrite growth. These high-capacity Li-S batteries with new electrolytes exhibit a long-term cycling stability, ultrafast-charge/slow-discharge rates, super-low self-discharge performance, and a capacity retention of 94.9% even after a 130 d long storage. Importantly, the long cycle stability of these industrial grade high-capacity Li-S pouch cells with new electrolytes will provide the basis for creating robust energy dense Li-S batteries with an extensive life cycle.