Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries demonstrate theoretical energy densities of 2,600 Wh/kg, but exhibit rapid capacity fade in practical implementations. During discharge, lithium polysulfides (Li₂Sₓ, 4 ≤ x ≤ 8) dissolve into the electrolyte and migrate between electrodes, creating parasitic reactions that can reduce coulombic efficiency below 80% after just 100 cycles. These soluble species not only deplete active material but create concentration gradients that impede consistent ion transport throughout the cell.

The fundamental challenge lies in confining sulfur species within the cathode structure while maintaining the electrochemical pathways necessary for high sulfur utilization and discharge capacity.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multifunctional separators with metal nitride/oxynitride ceramic layers, conductive polymer-coated sulfur-carbon composites, chromium-based intermediate layers, and cathode architectures with vertically arranged graphene nanosheets. These and other approaches demonstrate practical pathways to minimize polysulfide shuttling while preserving the high energy density that makes Li-S batteries promising for next-generation electric vehicles.

1. Separator with Metal Nitride or Oxynitride Ceramic Layer and Nanopore Structures for Lithium Sulfur Batteries

NAVITAS SYSTEMS LLC, 2024

Separator for lithium sulfur batteries that prevents polysulfide dissolution through a multifunctional design. The separator comprises a layer of material, optionally a metal nitride or metal oxynitride ceramic, optionally with nanopore structures. The material is coated on one side of a substrate, and the electrolyte is distributed throughout the space between the anode and cathode as well as in contact with the separator. The separator captures polysulfides dissolved in the cathode electrolyte during discharge, providing an electronic pathway for polysulfide oxidation during charging. This separator achieves improved coulombic efficiency, sulfur utilization, and cycle life compared to conventional separators.

2. Sulfur-Carbon Composite with Conductive Polymer Coating for Enhanced Ion Transport in Lithium Secondary Batteries

LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD, 2024

Sulfur-carbon composite for lithium secondary batteries that enables efficient lithium ion transport through a conductive polymer coating layer. The composite comprises a sulfur-carbon active material matrix with an electrically conductive polymer coating layer that forms a conductive network. The polymer coating layer enables the movement of lithium ions between sulfur-carbon nanofibers, thereby improving battery performance compared to conventional sulfur-carbon electrodes.

3. Lithium-Sulfur Battery System with Novel Electrode Materials and Advanced Electrolyte Solutions Incorporating Thermal Management and Safety Features

DR S SRINIVASAN, 2023

Advanced energy storage system using Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries that addresses the growing demand for sustainable and high-capacity energy storage solutions. The system integrates novel electrode materials and advanced electrolyte solutions, optimizing electrochemical performance and extending battery lifespan. The system also incorporates innovative thermal management and safety features to prevent thermal runaway and ensure reliable operation. This breakthrough technology enables the widespread adoption of Li-S batteries in applications like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronics, offering a significant leap forward in energy storage solutions.

4. Lithium-Sulfur Battery with Organosulfur Species Featuring -S-Sn- Linkages in Cathode and Electrolyte Matrices

ARKEMA INC, Arkema Incorporated, 2023

Organosulfur species enhance lithium-sulfur battery performance by forming stable, conductive interfaces between electrodes. These species, comprising organic moieties and sulfur-containing -S-Sn- linkages, are incorporated into cathode materials and electrolyte matrices. The organosulfur species facilitate co-current flow of sulfur atoms from the cathode to the anode, preventing translational flow and promoting sulfur retention. The organosulfur species also form metal-sulfur bonds on electrode surfaces, enabling electrolyte regeneration through metal ion exchange. This approach enables higher battery capacity, reduced sulfur loss, and improved cycling life compared to conventional cathode materials.

5. Secondary Battery with Titanium Niobium Oxide Negative Electrode and Sulfur-Containing Positive Electrode Configuration

KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, 2023

Secondary battery with improved performance characteristics through the use of titanium niobium oxide as a negative active material. The battery features a positive electrode with a sulfur-containing active material layer and a sulfur-containing layer formed on at least part of the positive electrode active material layer. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains at least one of a sulfur-containing imide compound, a sultone compound, or a propane sulfonate ester. This configuration enables enhanced gas generation suppression and resistance reduction compared to conventional titanium dioxide-based negative electrodes.

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6. Method for Integrating Chromium-Based Intermediate Layer in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

TIANMU LAKE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD, Tianmu Lake Institute of Advanced Energy Storage Technologies Co., Ltd., 2023

A method to prevent polysulfide shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries by incorporating a chromium-based intermediate layer. The method involves coating a lithium-sulfur battery with a chromium-based intermediate layer, which contains chromium sulfide (CrSSe), as an interlayer between the positive and negative electrodes. The chromium-based interlayer prevents the formation of intermediate polysulfides that can migrate between the electrodes during charging and discharging, thereby enhancing battery performance and cycle life.

7. Nanometer Multi-Polarization Center Catalyst Comprising Vanadium Pentoxide and Lithium Vanadate for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

JIANGXI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2021

A binder-free nanometer multi-polarization center catalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries that enhances reaction kinetics by creating multiple polarization centers. The catalyst comprises vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) lithium vanadate (Li3V2O5), which forms two positive and one negative polarization centers through electronegative interactions. These centers are strategically positioned to optimize the active material's surface area and catalytic activity, enabling faster lithium-sulfur reaction rates and improved battery performance. The catalyst achieves this through its unique multi-polarization structure, which enables efficient electron transfer and mass transport across the electrode interface.

8. Method for Fabricating Lithium-Sulfur Battery Separators with CNT@C Composite Film Incorporating Diamond-Polyhedral Microspheres

UNIV DALIAN TECH, 2021

A method for preparing lithium-sulfur battery positive electrode separators by covering a separator material with a CNT@C composite film that incorporates diamond-polyhedral microspheres. The CNT@C film enhances lithium-ion interfacial conductivity and polysulfide resistance through its diamond-doped structure, while the diamond-polyhedral microspheres prevent shuttle effect and dendrite growth. This multi-functional barrier layer enables improved battery performance characteristics compared to conventional separators.

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9. Cathode Structure with Sulfur-Infused LAGP Ceramic Particles Encapsulated by Conductive Polymer Binder and Coated with Sulfur-Infused Carbon Particles for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC, 2021

Lithium-sulfur batteries with enhanced sulfur loading and improved current density through innovative cathode design. The cathode comprises sulfur-infused LAGP (Li1+xAlxGe2−x(PO4)3) ceramic particles encapsulated by a conductive polymer binder, which enables efficient sulfur distribution and penetration into thick cathode layers. The encapsulated sulfur particles are then coated with sulfur-infused carbon particles, creating a hybrid cathode structure that maximizes sulfur utilization while maintaining current density. This approach addresses the conventional limitations of sulfur loading in lithium-sulfur batteries by incorporating sulfur into the cathode structure through a novel encapsulation-binder-carbon architecture.

10. Method for Fabricating Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathodes with Vertically Arranged Graphene Nanosheets and Nanostructured Metal Nitrides

ZHAOQING EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY PHOTOELECTRIC INDUSTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2020

A method for preparing lithium-sulfur battery cathode materials with enhanced electrochemical performance through the integration of vertically arranged graphene nanosheets with nanostructured metal nitrides. The preparation involves creating graphene nanosheet arrays on current collectors through oxygen plasma treatment, followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of metal nitrides onto the graphene surface. The resulting nanostructured metal nitride structures on vertically arranged graphene nanosheets exhibit superior conductivity and surface area compared to traditional cathode materials, while maintaining the sulfur carrier's high capacity and stability.

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11. Interlayer Material with Carbon Nanotubes and MOF-Derived Mo2C/Co Nanoparticles for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

INST PROCESS ENG CAS, 2020

Interlayer material for lithium-sulfur batteries that enhances electrochemical performance through a novel combination of carbon nanotubes and metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors. The material comprises a porous graphitized carbon layer with integrated Mo2C/Co nanoparticles, which enables enhanced electron conduction, polysulfide adsorption, and lithium-ion migration. The interlayer material is prepared through a specific MOF precursor synthesis pathway that preserves the carambola-like structure while achieving high graphitization. The resulting material is used as a separator in lithium-sulfur batteries, enabling improved electrochemical performance through enhanced interfacial contact between the cathode and anode.

12. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Electrode Material with Additive-Induced Intermediate Conversion and In-Situ Compoundation

CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY, Central South University, 2020

Lithium-sulfur battery positive electrode material that prevents polysulfide shuttle degradation through controlled conversion of intermediate products. The material incorporates additives that accelerate the conversion of discharging intermediate lithium polysulfide to the final product Li2S or Li2S2, thereby preventing the shuttle effect that degrades battery performance. The material is prepared through a novel in-situ compoundation process on conductive current collectors, enabling enhanced performance and cycle stability compared to traditional methods.

13. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode Comprising Porous Carbon Matrix with Integrated Nickel Boride and Elemental Sulfur

UNIV CENTRAL SOUTH, 2020

A lithium-sulfur battery cathode material that enhances performance through the integration of a porous carbon matrix with nickel boride and elemental sulfur. The material combines the high surface area of the carbon matrix with the catalytic properties of nickel boride and the sulfur content of elemental sulfur, creating a synergistic effect that improves lithium-sulfur battery performance. The material is prepared through a novel method that incorporates the carbon matrix with nickel boride and elemental sulfur through a controlled carbon synthesis process. This composite material enables enhanced lithium-sulfur battery performance compared to conventional materials.

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14. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode Material with Sulfur/Carbon, MXene, and MnOx Composite

SHENZHEN UNIVERSITY, 2020

Lithium-sulfur battery cathode material and preparation method through a novel composite approach. The material comprises sulfur and carbon powders mixed with MXene and MnOx powders in ethanol, then ball-milled and combined. This composite material is then incorporated into an electrolyte bath during cathode preparation. The combination of sulfur/carbon MXene and MnOx enhances sulfur stability through the MXene's conductivity and MnOx's structural support, while preventing the typical self-discharge and volume expansion issues associated with sulfur electrolyte.

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15. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode Material with Self-Supporting Porous Organic Sulfur Structure

UNIV ELECTRONIC SCI & TECH CHINA, 2020

A lithium-sulfur battery cathode material comprising porous organic sulfur with enhanced mechanical structure. The material has a porous organic sulfur structure that can support itself after melting, preventing the formation of insulating Li2S films during repeated charge-discharge cycles. This design enables the cathode material to maintain its electrochemical properties and capacity even after multiple charge-discharge cycles, thereby improving the overall performance of lithium-sulfur batteries.

16. Flower-Shaped Carbon Nanospheres with Molybdenum and Nitrogen Co-Doping in Carbon Framework

UNIV WENZHOU, 2020

Co-doped flower-shaped carbon nanospheres with enhanced sulfur utilization in lithium-sulfur batteries. The nanospheres contain molybdenum and nitrogen, which are covalently incorporated into their carbon framework through C-Mo and CN bonds. This doping enables improved polysulfide ion adsorption while maintaining high sulfur utilization ratios. The flower-shaped structure facilitates rapid electron and ion transfer, enhancing lithium-sulfur battery performance.

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17. Atomic Layer Deposition Method for Sulfur/Carbon@Metal Oxide Nanotube Cathode Fabrication

UNIV ZHEJIANG SCIENCE & TECH, 2020

A method for preparing sulfur/carbon@metal oxide nanotube lithium-sulfur battery cathode materials using atomic layer deposition technology. The method involves depositing a carbon-magnesium oxide/sulfur@zinc oxide composite material onto a current collector surface, followed by a zinc oxide coating. This composite material enables the creation of sulfur/carbon@metal oxide nanotube cathode materials with enhanced conductivity, stability, and capacity retention compared to conventional materials.

18. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode Composite with Metal Oxide Integration and Synthesis Method

JIANGSU NORMAL UNIVERSITY, 2019

Lithium-sulfur battery cathode composite material and preparation method that addresses the shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries. The material comprises a lithium-sulfur cathode active material, a lithium-sulfur cathode active material, and a lithium-sulfur cathode active material, where the lithium-sulfur cathode active material is comprised of lithium, sulfur, and a metal oxide, and the lithium-sulfur cathode active material is comprised of lithium, sulfur, and a metal oxide.

19. Method for Fabricating Composite Electrodes with Metal Nitride Nanoparticles and Chemically Bonded Intermediate Layer

GRADUATE SCHOOL SHENZHEN TSINGHUA UNIV, 2019

A method for preparing lithium-sulfur batteries with enhanced electrochemical performance through the modification of metal nitride electrodes. The method involves depositing metal nitride nanoparticles onto a substrate, followed by the formation of an intermediate layer containing active atoms. This intermediate layer is then bonded to the metal nitride through chemical bonding, creating a composite electrode structure. The active layer enhances the electrochemical properties of the metal nitride while preventing the formation of unwanted lithium polysulfide intermediates that can lead to shuttle effects.

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20. Method for Forming FeP/CC Composite Interlayer with Integrated Iron Phosphide and Carbon Cloth for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

ZHAOQING SOUTH CHINA NORMAL UNIV OPTOELECTRONICS IND RES INST, 2019

A method for preparing a lithium-sulfur battery interlayer that enhances the battery's performance by controlling polysulfide migration and redox reactions. The method involves creating an FeP/CC composite material through a tube furnace process that incorporates phosphide (FeP) and carbon cloth. The composite material is then processed into a thin interlayer, which is applied between the sulfur cathode and anode in lithium-sulfur batteries. The FeP/CC composite material contains iron phosphide and carbon cloth, with the phosphide forming a protective barrier against polysulfide migration while the carbon cloth facilitates ion transport. This interlayer architecture enables enhanced electron and ion conduction, improved redox kinetics, and enhanced polysulfide absorption, all of which contribute to improved battery performance and cycle stability.

21. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Separator with Integrated Sulfur Cathode for Polysulfide Migration Prevention

22. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Diaphragm Comprising Hydrothermally Synthesized NiMoO4 and Sodium Methacrylate

23. Lithium Battery Cell with Sulfur-Bonded Cyclic Polyacrylonitrile Cathode and Polysulfide-Blocking Separator

24. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Separator-Cathode Composite with Polysulfide Migration Control

25. Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode with Metal-Nonmetal Co-Doped Graphitized Carbon Matrix

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