ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Elucidating the Structure of Lithium Polysulfides by Complementary X-ray and Neutron Total Scattering Techniques
Abstract: Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are an emerging class of rechargeable electrochemical cells with applications in speciality electric vehicles, including aviation, and grid-scale energy storage. The high theoretical specific capacity (1675 Ah kg?1), energy density (~2500 Wh kg?1) and the potentially low cost of Li-S batteries have led to significant scientific and industrial interest. During discharge, the sulfur (S8) in the cathode is reduced to soluble lithium polysulfide species (Li2Sn, where n = 2?8). These species are then progressively reduced via a poorly understood mechanism to insoluble lithium sulfide (Li2S). Being highly mobile and difficult to control, these Li2Sn species can participate in a process known as the polysulfide shuttle effect, during which they diffuse through the electrolyte towards the Li metal anode and react to form a solid-electrolyte interphase increasing the impedance of the cell, reducing the S and Li inventory. By investigating these solutions, we aim to better understand the structural and chemical influences that the electrolyte system has on the Li2Sn species. These insights will have fundamental importance and enable detailed in-situ/operando studies by providing key Li2Sn signatures that can be monitored during cycling.
Local Contact: Dr Tom Headen
Experimenter: Mr Thomas Gill
Experimenter: Mr Joshua Cruddos
Experimenter: Mr Michael Johnson
Experimenter: Ms Llewellyn Alice
Experimenter: Mr Brandon Frost
Experimenter: Mr Myles Kofi Coke
Experimenter: Dr Keenan Smith
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2320299
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2320299
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2320299-1 | NIMROD | 07 November 2026 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
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For Example:
Dr Tom Headen et al; (2023): Elucidating the Structure of Lithium Polysulfides by Complementary X-ray and Neutron Total Scattering Techniques, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2320299
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
