High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Secondary Battery Containing a Block Copolymer Binder

Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Using PEO-Polyvinylcatechol Block Copolymer Binders to Capture Polysulfides

This technology secures the electrochemical stability and structural integrity of lithium-sulfur batteries by applying a block copolymer binder to the sulfur electrode, which covalently links a polyethylene oxide (PEO) block with excellent lithium-ion transport capabilities to a polyvinylcatechol (P4VC) block with superior polysulfide capture ability and mechanical strength.

Existing challenges included the polysulfide shuttle effect during lithium-sulfur battery operation, slow rate capability due to the insulating nature of sulfur, and electrode structural collapse and reduced lifespan caused by rapid volume changes of active materials during charge and discharge cycles.

By using the covalently bonded PEO-b-P4VC block copolymer as a binder, this technology enhances the mechanical elasticity of the electrode and improves lithium-ion conductivity through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, effectively contributing to the commercial competitiveness of lithium-sulfur batteries.

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Key Features:

• Lithium-sulfur secondary battery containing a block copolymer with polyethylene oxide and polyvinylcatechol blocks in the sulfur electrode
• Sulfur electrode for secondary batteries using a block copolymer containing polyethylene oxide and polyvinylcatechol blocks as a binder
• Polyethylene oxide block with excellent lithium-ion transport capability and polyvinylcatechol block with polysulfide capture ability
• Binder where two blocks are connected by covalent bonds to increase the mechanical elasticity and ion conductivity of the electrode through intermolecular hydrogen bonding

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