Unveiling the Inner Workings of Lithium-Sulfur Pouch Cells: A Multimodal Operando Analysis Approach

This presentation will discuss the use of multimodal operando analysis to investigate the complex processes occurring within lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries during charge and discharge cycles. Li-S batteries have attracted significant attention due to their high theoretical energy density, but their practical use has been hampered by several challenges, such as poor cycling stability and low Coulombic efficiency. By using advanced techniques such as X-ray radiography, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, force measurement, and temperature mapping, we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms and degradation pathways that occur within Li-S batteries. The results describe macroscopic effects like wetting, swelling, and heating as well as microscopic phase changes, material depositions and interface properties. We will discuss how this knowledge can be used to develop improved battery materials and electrode architectures, ultimately leading to more efficient and durable Li-S batteries.