Fabrication of gel polymer electrolyte with polysulfide immobilization effect for lithium sulfur battery

Development of lithium sulfur battery is greatly limited by low sulfur utilization and weak capacity retention, which are mainly due to dissolution and shuttle of intermediate polysulfides in the electrolyte. Herein, a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) consisting of poly (vinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene)/poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (P (VDF-HFP)/PVP) was facilely synthesized and introduced for rechargeable lithium sulfur battery to address above challenges. The polymer matrix owns favorable porous characteristic, high electrolyte uptake, enough electrochemical stability, and good compatibility with metallic Li. What is more, it provides a dual diffusion limitation strategy based on physical blockage and chemical interaction, effectively suppressing the migration of soluble polysulfides. The Li/S cell sandwiching the as-prepared GPE exhibits remarkably improved electrochemical performance.