Lithium-sulphur batteries get a boost

The researchers created a system that controls the dissolution and diffusion of lithium polysulfides which had been a hurdle in the development of lithium-sulphur batteries on a commercial scale.

Lithium polysulfides are produced during the charge-discharge process causing degradation. The researchers used single-walled carbon nanotubes treated with oxygen to stabilise the electrodes, reduce the sulphur loss and prevent polysulfide dispersion.

The result was a 1000mAh lithium-sulphur battery prototype measuring 50x60mm which retained 85% of its charge after 100 charge/discharge cycles.