Citation: Yuan Li, Xu-Sheng Zhang, Jian-Xin Tian, Shuang-Yan Lang, Rui Wen. Direct visualization of the dynamic evolution of sulfur cathodes in Li–S batteries via in situ AFM[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(4): 111648. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111648 shu

Direct visualization of the dynamic evolution of sulfur cathodes in Li–S batteries via in situ AFM

Yuan Li ^{a, b} ,
Xu-Sheng Zhang ^{a, b} ,
Jian-Xin Tian ^{a, b} ,
Shuang-Yan Lang ^{a, b} ,
Rui Wen ^{a, b, *,}

a.
CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
b.
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

ruiwen@iccas.ac.cn

Received Date: 14 February 2025
Revised Date: 11 June 2025
Accepted Date: 30 July 2025
Available Online: 30 July 2025

Figures(5)

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with the high theoretical capacity of 1675 mAh/g have attracted attention as next-generation energy storage systems. Understanding the dynamic evolution and reaction mechanisms at the interface between sulfur cathodes and the electrolyte is crucial to achieve a high reversible capacity of Li−S batteries. However, due to the challenges in probing the complex Li–S redox reaction, the structural and morphological changes from active sulfur to insoluble lithium sulfide (Li₂S) under operating conditions remain poorly understood. Here, the behaviors during sulfur dissolution and Li₂S deposition/decomposition under realistic conditions were investigated via in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). Direct visualizations revealed that tightly stacked sulfur particles hinder essential electronic pathways within the cathode. Furthermore constructing a conductive framework promotes more uniform Li₂S deposition, which was previously dispersed across the electrode surface, thus accelerating Li₂S conversion kinetics during the subsequent charge process. PeakForce tunneling atomic force microscopy (TUNA) measurements effectively elucidated the correlation between nanoscale structural features and electrical conductivity under varying potentials. Real-time observations reveal the dynamic evolution and reaction mechanisms of sulfur cathodes, offering profound insights into the Li−S redox processes and guiding the rational design of advanced cathodes.
- Electrochemical atomic force microscopy,
- Interfacial evolution,
- In situ visualization,
- Sulfur cathodes,
- Li–S batteries
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