A research team at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, has developed an interlayer material designed to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The scientists combined porous carbon nanofibers with individually embedded cobalt atoms to address the performance issues typically associated with this technology. Their goal is to control polysulfide loss and slow reaction kinetics, which have previously limited the practical use of lithium-sulfur batteries.
Maintaining stability and performance
The team developed a process in which the cobalt atoms are fixed within a hierarchically porous carbon network in a low-coordinated N3 environment. According to the researchers, this combination improves the adsorption of lithium polysulfides and their electrochemical conversion to help keep the battery cell stable and effective for a long time, even after many charging cycles.
Possible integration into pouch cells
The teamʼs study, published in the Advanced Fiber Materials journal, states that the nanofiber structure serves as a mechanically stable base with high electrolyte wettability, and the cobalt atoms increase the catalytic reaction rate. According to the publication, the material can be used without binders, remains flexible, and is stable even when bent repeatedly, enabling direct integration into pouch cells.
A step toward commercialization
The researchers consider these results a step toward commercially available lithium-sulfur batteries. According to the university, these materials could be used in electric vehicles, stationary energy storage systems, and portable devices in the long term.
