Lithium-Sulfur Battery Retains 80% Capacity

A lithium-sulfur battery that maintains 80% of its charge capacity even after 25,000 cycles—far surpassing traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

An international team of engineers and materials scientists unveiled a lithium-sulfur battery capable of retaining 80% charge capacity after 25,000 cycles. The technology promises to redefine battery technology by addressing key limitations of current designs.

Advances in battery design often hinge on finding new materials for electrodes where lithium ions are stored. Sulfur has emerged as a promising candidate due to its abundance, low cost, and desirable properties. However, sulfur’s tendency to expand and its reactions with lithium, which cause ion loss, have historically led to degradation and short battery life.

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In their study, researchers in China developed a novel method to overcome these challenges, resulting in a durable, high-performance battery. Their approach involved crafting a solid sulfur-based electrode with a porous atomic structure that supports ion diffusion while minimising detrimental reactions.

The key breakthrough lay in the electrode’s composition: a glass-like material made from sulfur, boron, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine. Iodine proved particularly critical, as it accelerated electron movement during redox reactions, enabling faster reaction speeds and improved performance.

This design not only allowed the battery to charge rapidly but also enhanced its longevity. Even under high-temperature conditions, the battery retained 80% of its charge capacity after 25,000 charge-discharge cycles—a significant leap compared to standard lithium-ion batteries, which typically degrade after about 1,000 cycles.

While this advancement marks a significant milestone, the researchers emphasize the need for further development. Enhancing energy density and exploring alternative materials could pave the way for lighter and more efficient batteries, broadening their potential applications. This highlights the ongoing push to develop next-generation batteries that are smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting, signaling an exciting future for energy storage technology.