Development of Zero-Excess Lithium Sulfur Batteries

Josh is part of the LiSTAr group working within work package 4 on the development of Zero-Excess Lithium sulfur batteries. His goal is to develop a liquid based Li2S cell capable of efficient cycling using a plain current collector as the anode to which Li is reversibly plated. By storing all the Li content within the cathode and removing the presence of a conventional anode, a large increase volumetric energy density is afforded. Due to the radical nature of Li plating, a large amount of his research is dedicated to reducing dendrite formation on current collector surface. This process is done by investigating the surface morphology and Li nucleation properties of materials and by the development of rigid artificial SEI's that are Li conductive and reduce parasitic side reactions often observed in sulfur cells. He is also keen to develop an all solid-state Li2S ZEL which could lead to improvement in safety and energy density of the cell.