The lithium-sulfur flow battery is a promising technology for large-scale energy storage. This project focuses on the research of the basic properties of sulfur suspension, such as the conductivity, viscosity and discharge performance. We will analyze the relationship between the physical properties and electrochemical performance to optimize the design of sulfur suspension catholyte.
The lithium-sulfur flow battery is regarded as a promising technology for large-scale energy storage.
To fully optimize the energy density of the sulfur suspension catholyte, the suspension must have high active material content coupled with an adequate conductive network to surmount the insulative nature of sulfur active material.
However, as the solids loading increases, the viscosity of the suspension rises, which inhibits flow. The key to maximize active material content while maintain satisfactory flowability and conductivity is to simultaneously tailor the respective interactions between all particles present within these electrode suspensions.
We will design and prepare a self-dispersed sulfur suspension by a dispersant modified sulfur-carbon composite. The dispersant anchored on the surface of the S-C composite can disperse and stabilize the active material in the suspension, meanwhile, the special functional group in the dispersant will form bonds with lithium polysulfides to improve cycle stability of the suspension catholyte.
By testing the conductivity, viscosity and electrochemical performance of the suspension, we will investigate how the anchored dispersant affects the physical properties and electrochemical performance, and analyze the relationship between the physical properties and electrochemical performance to optimize the design of sulfur suspension catholyte.
PhD Student: Song Xu
Supervisor: kaj Thomsen