Interaction Mechanisms between Lithium Polysulfides/Sulfide and Small Organic Molecules

Lithium polysulfides (LiPSs)/sulfide are essential in secondary lithium batteries. In this work, we used density functional theory computational methods to obtain the law of constraining lithium polysulfides/sulfide by the affinitive interactions at the electronic level. The proton transfer, the orientation of polysulfides, the electron affinity, and the acid dissociation constant of small organic molecules were examined to elucidate the lithium polysulfides/sulfide binding mechanism with functional groups. The carboxyl groups exhibited a strong ability to dissolve the low-order polysulfides via proton transfer, although this type of group is highly unstable. In comparison, 1,2-diaminopropane with adjacent amino groups can strongly anchor the high-order polysulfides. The electrostatic attractions between lithium-ion and the electron-rich groups and their number and location dominated the binding energetics. Also, the entropy contribution to the binding should be considered. The information gained from these results can serve as a criterion for the selection of co-solvent for the electrolyte or postmodified functional groups for decorating the cathode in the lithium-sulfur system.

Automated summary

This study used density functional theory computational methods to investigate the binding mechanism between lithium polysulfides/sulfide and functional groups. Carboxyl groups were found to dissolve low-order polysulfides through proton transfer, while 1,2-diaminopropane with adjacent amino groups could anchor high-order polysulfides effectively. The electrostatic attractions between lithium-ion and electron-rich groups, along with their number and location, played a key role in binding energetics, with entropy contribution also being significant.