High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries via Molecular Complexation

Beyond lithium-ion technologies, lithium–sulfur batteries stand out because of their multielectron redox reactions and high theoretical specific energy (2500 Wh kg–1). However, the intrinsic irreversible transformation of soluble lithium polysulfides to solid short-chain sulfur species (Li2S2 and Li2S) and the associated large volume change of electrode materials significantly impair the long-term stability of the battery. Here we present a liquid sulfur electrode consisting of lithium thiophosphate complexes dissolved in organic solvents that enable the bonding and storage of discharge reaction products without precipitation. Insights garnered from coupled spectroscopic and density functional theory studies guide the complex molecular design, complexation mechanism, and associated electrochemical reaction mechanism. With the novel complexes as cathode materials, high specific capacity (1425 mAh g–1 at 0.2 C) and excellent cycling stability (80% retention after 400 cycles at 0.5 C) are achieved at room temperature. Moreover, the highly reversible all-liquid electrochemical conversion enables excellent low-temperature battery operability (>400 mAh g–1 at −40 °C and >200 mAh g–1 at −60 °C). This work opens new avenues to design and tailor the sulfur electrode for enhanced electrochemical performance across a wide operating temperature range.