Trace ethanol as an efficient electrolyte additive to reduce the activation voltage of the Li2S cathode in lithium-ion–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Trace ethanol is applied as a cheap and effective electrolyte additive for reducing the activation voltage of Li₂S cathodes in lithium-ion–sulfur batteries. Because Li₂S can dissolve in ethanol, the solid–solid phase reaction in the first stage of the activation process converts into a liquid–solid phase reaction, which expedites the transport of electrons and lithium ions and reduces the activation voltage of Li₂S. This strategy can be extended to other solvents that can dissolve Li₂S.