Mimicking a cell plasma membrane to regulate dynamic polysulfide chemistry for a practical lithium-sulfur battery

Lithium-sulfur batteries are compelling candidates for overcoming the resource and sustainability limitations of current batteries. Regulating complex polysulfide chemistry is a critical challenge in achieving a practical lithium-sulfur battery with high cycle life and minimal electrolyte weight. Drawing inspiration from cell biology, here we propose the concept of bespoke membranes for making practical lithium-sulfur batteries. The membrane devised herein uti-lizes conductive reduced graphene oxide as a brick-like framework, with an elastic polymer liquid-rich in ion hopping and lithiophilic sites-as the mortar. The membrane mimics cell plasma membranes by integrating rapid and permselective Li+ channels alongside cata-lytic electrochemical reactions. Employing our reactive permselec-tive membranes, we attain areal capacities of 4.8-8.1 mAh cm -2 with 450 stable cycles in coin cells and 202 Wh kg -1 with over 100 stable cycles in pouch cells. This behavior is achieved with efficient electrolyte/capacity ratios (4.9-5.3 mL mAh-1).

Automated summary

Lithium-sulfur batteries are promising candidates for addressing the limitations of current batteries. By regulating complex polysulfide chemistry with bespoke membranes, practical lithium-sulfur batteries with high cycle life and minimal electrolyte weight can be achieved. These membranes, inspired by cell biology, mimic cell plasma membranes and integrate rapid and selective Li+ channels alongside catalytic electrochemical reactions.