New research conducted by Professor Shizhang Qiao and his team at the University of Adelaide has revealed a groundbreaking development in lithium-sulphur (Li||S) batteries. The team’s study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, showcases the potential for the next generation of Li||S batteries to be charged in less than five minutes, a significant improvement from the current charging time of several hours.
Professor Qiao and his team focused on the sulphur reduction reaction (SRR), a critical process that determines the charge-discharge rate of Li||S batteries. By investigating various carbon-based transition metal electrocatalysts, the team was able to enhance the reaction rates, particularly with higher polysulphide concentrations acting as reactive intermediates during SRR.
The key breakthrough came with the design of a nanocomposite electrocatalyst containing a carbon material and cobalt-zinc (CoZn) clusters. This innovative approach resulted in a Li||S battery with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 26120 W kgS-1, allowing for rapid full charge/discharge cycles in less than five minutes.
The implications of this research are vast, with potential applications in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and various energy storage solutions. The high-power capabilities of these batteries make them ideal for rapid charging and discharging, offering improved performance and reliability across a range of consumer and industrial applications.
Overall, Professor Qiao’s research has the potential to revolutionize energy storage technologies and propel the development of high-performance battery systems. This advancement marks a significant step forward in the quest for faster, more efficient battery technology.
