In Situ Electrochemically Derived Amorphous-Li2 S for High Performance Li2 S/Graphite Full Cell.

ABSTRACT

High-capacity Li2 S cathode (1166 mAh g-1 ) is regarded as a promising candidate for the next-generation lithium ion batteries. However, its high potential barrier upon the initial activation process leads to a low utilization of Li2 S. In this work, a Li2 S/graphite full cell with the zero activation potential barrier is achieved through an in situ electrochemical conversion of Li2 S8 catholyte into the amorphous Li2 S. Theoretical calculations indicate that the zero activation potential for amorphous Li2 S can be ascribed to its lower Li extraction energy than that of the crystalline Li2 S. The constructed Li2 S/graphite full cell delivers a high discharge capacity of 1006 mAh g-1 , indicating a high utilization of the amorphous Li2 S as a cathode. Moreover, a long cycle life with 500 cycles for this Li2 S/graphite full cell is realized. This in situ electrochemical conversion strategy designed here is inspired for developing high energy Li2 S-based full cells in future.