Lithium-sulfur battery advancements promise faster charging and longer life
Advancements in lithium-sulfur batteries promise fast charging and durability.

Two independent research teams have recently reported significant advancements in lithium-sulfur battery technology that address major challenges blocking commercialization. Professor Jong-sung Yu's team at DGIST enhanced the cathode using nitrogen-doped porous carbon, leading to rapid charging and improved capacity retention.
The carbon structure, formed through a magnesium-assisted thermal reduction method, allowed for a sulfur host that increased capacity by 1.6 times under rapid charging. Nitrogen doping prevented lithium polysulfide migration, maintaining 82% of the battery's capacity after 1,000 cycles, with collaborations confirming the benefits.
Meanwhile, Chinese and German researchers developed a solid electrolyte consisting of boron, sulfur, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine, which accelerates electrode reactions. Their battery showed remarkable durability, maintaining over 80% capacity after 25,000 cycles, thus pushing lithium-sulfur batteries closer to practical use.