Lithium-Sulfur Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) have been considered a promising technology for high-energy-density and low-cost energy storage, but full-scale commercialization of SSLSBs has been difficult because of challenges in both fundamental understanding and manufacturing of this technology. In this chapter, we introduce the working principles, progress, and challenges for the development of this technology. We first introduce the fundamental differences in the reaction mechanisms of a liquid-electrolyte lithium-sulfur battery and a solid-state lithium-sulfur battery. We discuss the two main challenges for sulfur cathode development: the insulating nature of sulfur and its discharge product as well as the chemomechanical degradation because of the large volume change of the electrode during charge/discharge. We then summarize a few approaches including interlayer design, three-dimensional Li, and alloying for the anode development. A variety of solid electrolytes including organic, inorganic, and composite electrolytes—and their applications in SSLSBs—have also been overviewed. In addition, we highlight a few results on cell architecture and fabrication. We conclude this chapter by introducing our perspectives on the remaining challenges and future directions for the development of this technology.