The lithium/sulfur rechargeable cell - Effects of electrode composition and solvent on cell performance

The cycling behavior and electrochemical characteristics of the sulfur electrode in the lithium/sulfur rechargeable cell were investigated using galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry. The cycling performance of the sulfur electrode was characterized in different solvents (triglyme, PEGDME 250 and 500). The variations of capacity and capacity fade rate were also measured as a function of the content of sulfur, carbon and binder. The capacity fade rate of the sulfur electrode was lower with a higher molecular weight solvent such as PEGDME 250 or 500. The content of carbon in the sulfur electrode plays an important role in capacity improvement. The best cell cycled for 600 deep cycles above 100 mAh/g of electrode, and 400 cycles above 160 mAh/g of electrode (80% of original capacity) at room temperature. (C) 2002 The Electrochemical Society.