The lithium–sulfur battery (Li–S battery) is a type of rechargeable battery. It is notable for its high specific energy. The low atomic weight of lithium and moderate atomic weight of sulfur means that Li–S batteries are relatively light (about the density of water). They were used on the longest and highest-altitude unmanned. Li–S batteries were invented in the 1960s, when Herbert and Ulam patented a primary battery employing lithium or lithium alloys as anodic material, sulfur as cathodic material and an electrolyte composed of Chemical processes in the Li–S cell include lithium dissolution from the surface (and incorporation into ) during discharge, and reverse lithium to the anode while charging. Anode Conventionally, Li–S batteries employ a liquid organic electrolyte, contained in the pores of PP separator. The electrolyte plays a key role in Li–S batteries, acting both on "shuttle" effect by the polysulfide dissolution and the SEI stabilization at anode surface. It has. Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional. Recent advancements in materials and formulations have shown potential to extend its to over 1,000 cycles. One of the primary factors limiting the. Historically, the "shuttle" effect is the main cause of degradation in a Li–S battery. The lithium polysulfide Li2Sx (6≤x≤8) is highly soluble in the common electrolytes used for Li–S batteries. They are formed and leaked from the cathode and they diffuse to the anode,. Because of the high potential energy density and the nonlinear discharge and charging response of the cell, a and other safety circuitry is sometimes used along with to manage cell operation and As of 2021 few companies had been able to commercialize the technology on an industrial scale. Companies such as Sion Power have partnered with to test their lithium sulfur battery technology. Airbus Defense and Space successfully launched.
