Abstract Batteries including a lithium electrode and a sulfur counter electrode that demonstrate improved cycling efficiencies are described. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell having a lithium electrode and a sulfur electrode including at least one of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfide, and a lithium polysulfide is provided. The lithium electrode includes a surface coating that is effective to increase the cycling efficiency of said electrochemical cell. In a more particular embodiment, the lithium electrode is in an electrolyte solution, and, more particularly, an electrolyte solution including either elemental sulfur, a sulfide, or a polysulfide. In another embodiment, the coating is formed after the lithium electrode is contacted with the electrolyte. In a more particular embodiment, the coating is formed by a reaction between the lithium metal of the lithium electrode and a chemical species present in the electrolyte.
A lithium electrode, comprising a lithium metal electrode surface having a surface coating, said surface coating of said lithium electrode formed by contacting said lithium electrode with an electrolyte including a chemical species that is effective to form an alloy with lithium metal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
43 words
A lithium electrode, comprising a lithium metal electrode surface having a surface coating, said surface coating of said lithium electrode formed by contacting said lithium electrode with an electrolyte including a chemical species that is effective to form an alloy with lithium metal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode of claim 1, wherein said chemical species includes a mutivalent transition- or alkaline earth metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The electrode of claim 2, wherein said multivalent metal is a salt of a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Si, In, and Ga, said salt being soluble in said electrolyte.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The electrode of claim 3, wherein said multivalent metal is a salt of Al.