A bifunctional ion-electron conducting interlayer for high energy density all-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery

Abstract A bifunctional ion-electron conducting layer is designed for all-solid-state lithium-sulfur battery. This layer consists of electronic conductor and solid polymer electrolyte that is intercalated between the cathode and electrolyte. By forming a gradient of electrons and lithium ions, the electrochemical performance and interfacial compatibility of the battery are obviously enhanced. When a pure sulfur powder is directly used as an active material of the cathode, the battery with the interlayer delivers the initial discharge capacity of 1457 mAh g−1 and the discharge capacity of 792.8 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at 0.5 C and 80 °C, while the battery with the same cathode and without the interlayer only has the discharge capacity of 291.9 mAh g−1 after the same number of cycles.