LiSTAR – The Lithium-Sulfur Technology Accelerator

There is a need to develop batteries which supersede the practical capabilities of lithium-ion batteries to enable the electrification of applications including aerospace and heavier electric vehicles. While there are several realistic candidates, the Li-S chemistry combines relative technical maturity with a practical limit that places the technology in a unique position to facilitate commercialisation.

Compared with conventional Li-ion batteries, Li-S cells store more energy per unit weight and can operate in a wider operating temperature range. They may also offer safety and cost improvements. Yet the widespread use of Li-S faces major hurdles that stem from sulfur's insulating nature, migration of discharge products leading to the loss of active material, and degradation of the metallic lithium anode. Scientists and engineers need to know more about how the system performs and degrades in order to overcome current limitations in the power density and lifespan of Li-S cells that could unlock their use and see their translation from research into prototypes and industry.

LiSTAR is designed to address these challenges. The consortium is generating new knowledge, materials and engineering solutions, thanks to its application-guided approach, with dual focus on fundamental research at material and cell level, and an improved approach to system engineering. The project is addressing five key areas of research: cathodes and cathode interfaces; electrolytes and electrochemistry; anodes and new cell concepts; cell and system engineering; and Li-S characterisation. In doing so, the consortium is seeking to enable rapid improvements in Li-S technologies, with the aim of securing the UK as the global hub for the research, development and commercialisation of this emergent technology.