Chemical Engineering Assistant Professor Golareh Jalilvand and her research team at the University of Southern California (USC) are leading the way in advancements in lithium-sulfur battery technology. They have received a $1 million research grant from NantG Power, a California-based company specializing in high-performance lithium-ion battery cell technology, to develop lithium-sulfur batteries with superior energy densities.
The project, now in its second phase, is focused on transitioning promising results from lab-scale coin cells to practical pouch cells, which offer the highest energy density potential. Testing with practical battery forms is crucial to accurately assess commercial viability, according to Jalilvand. Despite lithium-sulfur batteries having lower power density compared to lithium-ion batteries, they show promise for heavy-duty vehicles and grid-level energy storage due to their longer discharge times.
In the first phase of research, Jalilvand’s team made significant improvements in battery capacity and durability, doubling the achieved capacity and increasing sulfur loading fourfold. These advancements have positioned their lithium-sulfur pouch cells as competitive contenders for commercialization. The team is now concentrating on optimizing cathode and electrolyte chemistries for pouch cells to achieve long cycle life and durability, key factors for commercial success.
Jalilvand recognizes the collaborative efforts between USC and NantG Power, as well as the dedication of her research team, in propelling the project forward. With promising results to date, she foresees that their lithium-sulfur battery technology may soon be ready for commercialization, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of energy storage solutions.