Dependence of LiNO3 decomposition on cathode binders in Li-S batteries

This study brings a new insight into the interfacial compatibility of cathode binders with modified electrolytes in lithium-sulfur batteries. We compared the oxygen-containing binders sodium alginate (NaAlg) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) with the conventional oxygen-free polyvinylidene difluoride. The results revealed that the NaAlg and NaCMC binders strongly facilitated the decomposition of the electrolyte additive LiNO3 at potentials lower than 1.8 V. This is primarily attributed to the influence of oxygen-containing functional groups. However, when LiNO3 was absent from the electrolyte, the sulfur cathode with the NaAlg binder showed the most stable performance. To prevent LiNO3 decomposition and acquire stable cycling, the discharge voltage was limited to 1.8 V. At the conclusion of testing (100 cycles, voltage cutoff = 1.8 V), the NaAlg-based cathode maintained 608 mAh g−1 of capacity (52% of the initial capacity). This represented a 35% increase in the specific capacity obtained at the 100th discharge cycle with the cutoff voltage at 1.5 V. Our results suggest a rational choice of the binders used in sulfur composite cathodes.