Enhancing the safety and electrochemical performance of ether based lithium sulfur batteries by introducing an efficient flame retarding additive

Lithium sulfur batteries have been considered as a promising candidate for use as next generation high energy power sources. However, safety problems could be one key problem that hinders the development of lithium sulfur batteries. In this study, a novel flame retarding additive, hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene (HFPN), is investigated for the construction of an ether based (1,3-dioxolane and dimethoxyethane) nonflammable electrolyte for lithium sulfur batteries. A 20% addition could render the electrolyte nonflammable. Moreover, this additive could enhance the electrochemical properties of lithium sulfur batteries by reducing the solubility of polysulfides and reducing the electrode interphase resistance. These results suggest that HFPN could be considered as a useful additive for safer lithium sulfur batteries.