Application of stabilized lithium metal powder and hard carbon in anode of lithium–sulfur battery

• A novel method for the anode preparation of lithium–sulfur battery using stabilized lithium metal powder and hard carbon was demonstrated.
• This type of battery has initial capacity of 1300.9 mAh/g and good cyclic stability.
• Great surface area of the new-style anode is provided to make the ion transfer rapidly.

Stabilized lithium metal powder (SLMP) can effectively compensate the irreversible capacity, increase energy density in the continuous charge–discharge process of lithium–sulfur battery, and provide more anode materials to match the need of the energy market in the future. A novel SLMP anode in which hard carbon (HC) was used as the additive and poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as binder was prepared in an argon-filled vacuum glove box. The new negative sheet provides greater surface for electrolyte infiltration, facilitates ion diffusion and improves the utilization of sulfur element. This new type of Li–S battery has a higher initial capacity of 1300.9 mAh/g and a better cyclic stability than cell using conventional lithium foil as anode.

The initial charge/discharge curves are shown in above picture. When adding 10–30% hard carbon (HC) to stabilized lithium metal powder (SLMP) anode, the charge and discharge capacity is higher than ordinary electrode, especially after adding 20% HC, the initial discharge capacity reaches 1300.9 mAh/g.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide