SEPARATORS FOR LITHIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES

摘要

This invention, in some variations, provides a separator for a lithium-sulfur battery, comprising a porous substrate that is permeable to lithium ions; and a lithium-ion-conducting metal oxide layer on the substrate, wherein the metal oxide layer includes deposits of sulfur that are intentionally introduced prior to battery operation. The deposits of sulfur may be derived from treatment of the metal oxide layer with one or more sulfur-containing precursors (e.g., lithium polysulfides) prior to operation of the lithium-sulfur battery. Other variations provide a method of charging a lithium-sulfur battery that includes the disclosed separator, the charging being accomplished by continuously applying a substantially constant voltage to the lithium-sulfur battery until the battery charging current is at or below a selected current.