Stabilization of gamma sulfur at room temperature to enable the use of carbonate electrolyte in Li-S batteries

Abstract

Lithium sulfur batteries are an emerging energy storage medium, but their stability in carbonate electrolyte remains hampered by side-reactions. Here, the authors show that as-produced monoclinic gamma-sulfur on activated carbon nanofibers converts to Li2S without the formation of intermediate polysulfides, therefore eliminating irreversible side reactions and improving cycling stability.