1
|
Seo WTM, Riffel MN, Oliver AG, Tsui EY. Metal-cation-induced shifts in thiolate redox and reduced sulfur speciation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7332-7341. [PMID: 38756819 PMCID: PMC11095376 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01025f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Sulfur-containing anions (e.g. thiolates, polysulfides) readily exchange in solution, making control over their solution speciation and distribution challenging. Here, we demonstrate that different redox-inactive alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+) shift the equilibria of sulfur catenation or sulfur reduction/oxidation between thiolate, polysulfanide, and polysulfide anions in acetonitrile solution. The thermodynamic factors that govern these equilibria are examined by identification of intermediate metal thiolate and metal polysulfide species using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the metal cation of the electrolyte modulates both sulfur reduction and thiolate oxidation potentials. DFT calculations suggest that the changes in equilibria are driven by stronger covalent interactions between polysulfide anions and more highly charged cations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W T Michael Seo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Madeline N Riffel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Allen G Oliver
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Emily Y Tsui
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luo T, Wang Y, Elander B, Goldstein M, Mu Y, Wilkes J, Fahrenbruch M, Lee J, Li T, Bao JL, Mohanty U, Wang D. Polysulfides in Magnesium-Sulfur Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2306239. [PMID: 37740905 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Mg-S batteries hold great promise as a potential alternative to Li-based technologies. Their further development hinges on solving a few key challenges, including the lower capacity and poorer cycling performance when compared to Li counterparts. At the heart of the issues is the lack of knowledge on polysulfide chemical behaviors in the Mg-S battery environment. In this Review, a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of polysulfide behaviors in Mg-S batteries is provided. First, a systematic summary of experimental and computational techniques for polysulfide characterization is provided. Next, conversion pathways for Mg polysulfide species within the battery environment are discussed, highlighting the important role of polysulfide solubility in determining reaction kinetics and overall battery performance. The focus then shifts to the negative effects of polysulfide shuttling on Mg-S batteries. The authors outline various strategies for achieving an optimal balance between polysulfide solubility and shuttling, including the use of electrolyte additives, polysulfide-trapping materials, and dual-functional catalysts. Based on the current understanding, the directions for further advancing knowledge of Mg polysulfide chemistry are identified, emphasizing the integration of experiment with computation as a powerful approach to accelerate the development of Mg-S battery technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Brooke Elander
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Michael Goldstein
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Yu Mu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - James Wilkes
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | | | - Justin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Tevin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Junwei Lucas Bao
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Udayan Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Dunwei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| |
Collapse
|