A stable graphite electrode in superconcentrated LiTFSI-DME/DOL electrolyte and its application in lithium-sulfur full battery

Graphical abstract: In superconcentrated ether-based solutions, the formed SEI film inhibits electrolyte decomposition and graphite exfoliation caused by co-intercalation of solvents. Thus, reversible lithium intercalation and de-intercalation at a graphite electrode has been realized. - Highlights: • Prelithiated graphite anodes are coupled with sulfur composite cathodes to form a Li–S full cell in superconcentrated LiTFSI-DME/DO electrolyte. • The introduced superconcentrated ether-based electrolyte permits reversible lithium intercalation and de-intercalation at a graphite electrode. • The assembled Li–S full battery exhibits better cycle performance and coulombic efficiencies. - Abstract: Herein, prelithiated graphite anodes are coupled with sulfur composite cathodes to form a Li–S full cell in superconcentrated ether electrolyte. This novel system is effective in avoiding sever corrosion of Li-metal anode and significantly improving the safety of present Li–S cell, owing to the replacement of Li-metal anode with graphite. The introduced superconcentrated ether electrolyte has a unique networking structure of Li cations and TFSI anions with Li⁺-solvating DME/DOL solvents, which is conducive to form a stable TFSI-derived surface film on the graphite electrode. The stable and dense TFSI-derived film inhibits further electrolyte decomposition and graphite exfoliation caused by co-intercalation of solvents, allowing reversible lithium intercalation and de-intercalation at a graphite electrode. Besides, the severe polysulfides shuttle is also suppressed by the concentrated ether-based solutions. Consequently, the assembled graphite-sulfur full battery retains outstanding capacity of 686 mAh g⁻¹_sulfur at 0.1C rate after 105 cycles, along with high Coulombic efficiency.