Sulphur-Based Batteries: The Future of Clean and Efficient Energy Storage?

by Chema Arcos

A review study led by ICN2 researchers analysed the great potential of this type of battery, as well as the challenges that still need to be overcome for its large-scale use and commercialisation.

Sulphur cathode batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional batteries, thanks to their excellent performance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Many experts believe that they will be the key to developing more efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies in the coming years. However, there are still significant limitations to their development and commercialisation.

A recent review article published in ACS Energy Letters, led by ICN2 scientists including PhD student Jing Yu and ICREA Prof. Jordi Arbiol (Head of the Advanced Electron Nanoscopy Group), has analysed what these limitations are and what strategies could be used to overcome them, to achieve their large-scale implementation. This study was a collaboration between several institutions, including IREC, a centre to which Jing Yu also belongs and where she worked under the supervision of ICREA Prof. Andreu Cabot.

An approach combining advanced analytical techniques, simulations and artificial intelligence tools was used to better understand the mechanisms and chemical transformations taking place in these batteries. One of the main advantages of sulphur batteries is their high energy density. In other words, they can store a greater amount of energy for their size than traditional lithium batteries. On the other hand, their technical limitations include, for example, changes in size during the charging and discharging phases, which can affect the battery structure. Another problem identified in the study is the migration of polysulphides, molecules produced at the cathode of this type of battery, which can move to the anode and reduce its efficiency.

The review’s conclusions highlight that, if these and other challenges can be addressed, sulphur batteries could become a key solution for the energy transition in the future, offering a more economical, sustainable and powerful alternative.

Reference article:

Yu, J; Pinto-Huguet, I; Zhang, CY; Zhou, Y; Xu, Y; Vizintin, A; Velasco-Vélez, JJ; Qi, X; Oney, XP; G; Olgo, A; Märker, K; Da Silva, LM; Luo, Y; Lu, Y; Huang, C; Härk, E; Fleming, J; Chenevier, P; Cabot, A; Bai, Y; Botifoll, M; Black, AP; An, Q; Amietszajew, T; Arbiol, J. Mechanistic Insights and Technical Challenges in Sulfur-Based Batteries: A Comprehensive In Situ/Operando Monitoring Toolbox. ACS Energy Letters, 9, 6178-6214 (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02703.