Lithium sulphur batteries extend electric vehicles' range

The team found that the lithium-sulphur batteries could power phones for five continuous days, or an electric car for 1,000km before recharging.

Although lithium-sulphur batteries can hold more energy than lithium ion ones, they have been deemed unstable and unable to be recharged many times. The scientists at Monash used a flexible cathode which allowed the battery to expand and contract during the recharge process without “significant” degrading.

The team believes that the availability of reasonably priced materials to create the battery and the five-fold increase in capacity, compared with lithium-ion ones, make this a viable alternative , suitable for consumer electronics, EVs and solar energy.

“Successful fabrication and implementation of Li-S batteries in cars and grids will capture a more significant part of the estimated $213 billion value chain of Australian lithium, and will revolutionise the Australian vehicle market and provide all Australians with a cleaner and more reliable energy market,” said Professor Mainak Majumder of Monash University. A manufacturing patent has been approved and commercial lithium-sulphur batteries could be commercially available in less than five years. (Picture credit: Monash University)