All-Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enhanced by Redox Mediators

Abstract

We report redox mediators (RMs) play a vital role in some liquid electrolyte-based electrochemical energy storage systems. However, the concept of redox mediator in solid-state batteries remains unexplored. Here, we selected a group of RM candidates and investigated their behaviors and roles in all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs). The soluble-type quinone-based RM (AQT) shows the most favorable redox potential and the best redox reversibility that functions well for lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) oxidation in solid polymer electrolytes. Accordingly, Li 2 S cathodes with AQT RMs present a significantly reduced energy barrier (average oxidation potential of 2.4 V) during initial charging at 0.1 C at 60 °C and the following discharge capacity of 1133 mAh g s -1 . Using operando sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we directly tracked the sulfur speciation in ASSLSBs and proved that the solid-polysulfide-solid reaction of Li 2 S cathodes with RMs facilitated Li 2 S oxidation. In contrast, for bare Li 2 S cathodes, the solid-solid Li 2 S-sulfur direct conversion in the first charge cycle results in a high energy barrier for activation (charge to ~4 V) and low sulfur utilization. The Li 2 S@AQT cell demonstrates superior cycling stability (average Coulombic efficiency 98.9% for 150 cycles) and rate capability owing to the effective AQT-enhanced Li-S reaction kinetics. This work reveals the evolution of sulfur species in ASSLSBs and realizes the fast Li-S reaction kinetics by designing an effective sulfur speciation pathway