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The development of high-performance battery technologies necessitates ultrathin separators with superior mechanical strength and electrochemical properties. We present an innovative 1 µm thick, pinhole-free zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) layer, cathodically deposited on an 8 µm thick commercial polypropylene (PP) film in a rapid process, resulting in a ZIF-8@8-µm PP flexible membrane. This crack-free ZIF-8 layer, featuring angstrom-scale pores and chemical polar groups, functions as a Li+ sieve, regulating Li+ transport, controlling Li deposition, and blocking dissolved active cathode materials. It also enhances Li+ diffusion and transference number, extending the Sand’s time for Li dendrite formation. Consequently, the ZIF-8@8-µm PP separator addresses polysulfide shuttling in Li-S batteries and Li dendrite formation in Li-metal batteries, significantly improving their performance compared to conventional separators. Our findings indicate that while the 8-μm PP alone is unsuitable as a battery separator, the ZIF-8@8-μm PP, possesses the mechanical strength and electrochemical properties necessary for developing both Li-S and Li-metal batteries, as well as application in conventional Li-ion batteries with enhanced volumetric energy densities.
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Polysulfides in Magnesium‐Sulfur Batteries
Abstract Mg‐S batteries hold great promise as a potential alternative to Li‐based technologies. Their further development hinges on solving a few key challenges, including the lower capacity and poorer cycling performance when compared to Li counterparts. At the heart of the issues is the lack of knowledge on polysulfide chemical behaviors in the Mg‐S battery environment. In this Review, a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of polysulfide behaviors in Mg‐S batteries is provided. First, a systematic summary of experimental and computational techniques for polysulfide characterization is provided. Next, conversion pathways for Mg polysulfide species within the battery environment are discussed, highlighting the important role of polysulfide solubility in determining reaction kinetics and overall battery performance. The focus then shifts to the negative effects of polysulfide shuttling on Mg‐S batteries. The authors outline various strategies for achieving an optimal balance between polysulfide solubility and shuttling, including the use of electrolyte additives, polysulfide‐trapping materials, and dual‐functional catalysts. Based on the current understanding, the directions for further advancing knowledge of Mg polysulfide chemistry are identified, emphasizing the integration of experiment with computation as a powerful approach to accelerate the development of Mg‐S battery technology.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2126923
- PAR ID:
- 10478601
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Materials
- Volume:
- 36
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0935-9648
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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