Lithium–sulfur battery
| Specific energy | 350 Wh/kg[1] |
|---|---|
| Energy density | 350 Wh/l |
| Charge/discharge efficiency | C/5 nominal; up to 2C |
| Nominal cell voltage | cell voltage varies nonlinearly in the range 2.5-1.7 during discharge; batteries often packaged for 3V |
The lithium sulfur battery (Li-S battery) is a rechargeable galvanic cell with a high energy density.[2] By virtue of the low atomic weight of lithium and moderate weight of sulfur, Li-S batteries are relatively light; about the density of water. They have been demonstrated on the longest and highest-altitude solar powered airplane flight in August, 2008.[3]
Chemistry
The chemical processes in the Li-S cell include lithium dissolution from the anode surface (and incorporation into polysulfides) during discharge, and lithium plating back on to the nominal anode while charging.[4] Polysulfides are reduced on the anode surface in sequence while the cell is discharging:
- S8 → Li2S8 → Li2S6 → Li2S4 → Li2S3
Across a porous diffusion separator, the polymers of sulfur are formed at the nominal cathode as the cell charges:
- Li2S → Li2S2 → Li2S3 → Li2S4 → Li2S6 → Li2S8 → S8
These reactions are analogous to those in the sodium-sulfur battery.
Safety
Because of the high potential energy density and the nonlinear discharge and charging response of the cell, a microcontroller and other safety circuitry is sometimes used along with voltage regulators to control cell operation and prevent rapid discharge.[5]
References
- ^ Sion Power, Inc. (28 September 2005) Lithium Sulfur Rechargeable Battery Data Sheet www.sionpower.com
- ^ Moore, Wm. (11 December 2004) "Sion Introduces a Lithium Sulfur Rechargeable Battery" EV World
- ^ Amos, J. (24 August 2008) "Solar plane makes record flight" BBC News
- ^ Tudron, F.B., Akridge, J.R., and Puglisi, V.J. (2004) "Lithium-Sulfur Rechargeable Batteries: Characteristics, State of Development, and Applicability to Powering Portable Electronics" (Tuscon, AZ: Sion Power)
- ^ Akridge, J.R. (October 2001) "Lithium Sulfur Rechargeable Battery Safety" Battery Power Products & Technology
External links
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