A contribution to the progress of high energy batteries: A metal-free, lithium-ion, silicon–sulfur battery

In this work we disclose a new, lithium metal-free, silicon–sulfur, lithium ion battery based on a high-rate sulfur–carbon composite cathode, formed by trapping sulfur in highly porous and hard carbon spherules, combined with a lithiated, silicon–carbon nanocomposite anode, separated by a glycol-based electrolyte. This 2 V battery shows an average specific capacity of 300 mAh g−1(S), a long cycle life, an expected low cost and high safety. Due to these properties, this new battery is expected to be a very valid power source for efficient electric vehicles.

► High performance, mesoporous hard carbon spherule-sulfur electrode.
► Highly conducting glycol-based electrolyte.
► Unique, high energy, lithium free silicon–sulfur battery.