What are the lightweight energy storage batteries

Are lithium-sulfur batteries a viable alternative to fossil fuels?

Batteries that extend performance beyond the fundamental limits of lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology are essential for the transition away from fossil fuels. Amongst the most mature of these ‘beyond Li-ion’ technologies are lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries.

What is the difference between capacity and intercalation in a battery?

Capacity relates to the total energy stored by a battery. This has a key role in determining how long a battery will operate for during a single discharge. Intercalation refers to the process in which ions are stored between the layers of graphite in the anode. This process enables the battery to deliver the electricity stored in the cell.

Are lithium-sulfur batteries safe?

Lithium-sulfur cells offer significant safety benefits over other battery types due to their operating mechanism. The ‘conversion reaction’, which forms new materials during charge and discharge, eliminates the need to host Li-ions in materials, and reduces the risk of catastrophic failure of batteries.

Are lithium-sulfur cells suitable for high energy applications?

Lithium-sulfur cells are most appropriate for applications that require high-energy rather than ‘power’ cell14 applications. Despite this, the potential markets for Li-S are extremely broad.

Can the UK be a global leader in lithium-sulfur battery technology?

The UK, which is already home to established lithium-sulfur battery manufacturers and to leading academics in the field, has a great opportunity to be the global leader in this ground-breaking technology.

Are Li-S batteries suitable for high-margin applications?

The significantly improved energy density of Li-S batteries compared to Li-ion has led to these cells being targeted at high-margin applications in which weight is a premium although there is a clear desire to expand the range of applications in which Li-S technology may be deployed.