Background

The electrocatalytic performance of 2D TMDs alloys such as Mo1-xWxS2 have not yet been explored for LiPSs catalysts. The 2D TMDs alloys demonstrate synergetic effect and more catalytic effect for LiPSs than other catalysts including pure (un-alloyed) 2D TMDs. The technology is to synthesize 2D TMDs alloys catalysts with scalable and composition tunable manner and the alloys can be grown on carbon matrix structures making sulfur cathode electrodes. The formed 2D TMDs catalysts can be used to catalyze the polysulfide reactions to improve battery performance. The 2D TMDs alloys catalysts provide enhanced polysulfide conversion kinetics. The fast conversion of soluble polysulfides enhances the cycle life and energy density of Li-S batteries by decreasing their accumulation in the sulfur cathode and their loss from the cathode by diffusion.

Technology Overview

2D TMD alloys may be used as catalysts for sulfur (S) cathodes in Li-S batteries. The 2D TMDs alloy catalysts are preferably formed directly onto a carbon structure of a carbon-sulfur cathode electrode. 2D TMDs alloy catalysts may be fabricated using a two-step method: (1) metal alloy deposition by co-sputtering, and (2) sulfurization, selenization, tellurization, other chalcogen reactions suitable for operations, or combinations thereof. The catalyst system is preferably composed of binary 2D TMD alloys, and the composition of the 2D TMD alloys may be controlled by varying the power applied to each of the two metal targets while co-sputtering.

Stage of Development

Full cell performance test with scalability is needed.

Benefits

The formed 2D TMDs catalysts can be used to catalyze the polysulfide reactions to improve battery performance. The 2D TMDs alloys catalysts provide enhanced polysulfide conversion kinetics. The fast conversion of soluble polysulfides enhances the cycle life and energy density of Li-S batteries by decreasing their accumulation in the sulfur cathode and their loss from the cathode by diffusion.

2D TMD Alloys as Catalysts for Cathode in Li- S Batteries

IP Status

Seeking