Enhanced cycle performance of a Li–S battery based on a protected lithium anode

Abstract

A conductive polymer layer is prepared on the surface of a lithium anode as the protective layer for a Li–S battery. With the protective layer, a stable and less resistive SEI is formed between the ether-based electrolyte and the Li anode, it can not only inhibit the corrosion reaction between the lithium anode and lithium polysulfides effectively, but also suppress the growth of Li dendrites. Particularly, with approximately 2.5–3 mg cm⁻² sulfur loading on the electrode and commercial electrolyte, the discharge capacity remains at 815 mA h g⁻¹ after 300 cycles at 0.5 C with an average coulombic efficiency of 91.3%.