Li-S Energy Approaches 500 Wh/kg Milestone With Lithium-sulfur Batteries Technology

Australian battery technology company Li-S Energy has announced significant advances in lithium-sulfur Batteries technology, with energy densities approaching 500 Wh/kg.

Li-S Energy, headquartered in Queensland, Australia, says its latest full-size 10 Ah semi-solid-state battery achieves an impressive energy density of 498 Wh/kg on initial discharge and 456 Wh/kg after conversion cycling, with ongoing testing demonstrating consistent performance.

This breakthrough utilizes Li-S Energy‘s third-generation semisolid li-sulfur battery chemistry, which debuted in April 2023, and which the company claims is superior to conventional lithium-sulfur batteries. The company claims that its GEN3 technology more than doubles the energy density by weight and has a higher volumetric energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Dr. Steve Rowlands, Li-S Energy’s chief technology officer, said that these new results significantly improve on earlier research results and mark an important milestone in li-sulfur battery chemistry. He noted that many research organizations and battery startups typically test performance using small button or pouch cells and report energy density results from the first discharge, which is often much higher than what is achievable in real-world applications.

In contrast, Li-S Energy takes a more realistic and commercially viable approach by testing full-size 10 Ah and 20 Ah pouch cells produced on its automated production line. This approach provides a more accurate representation of actual battery performance when delivered to customers.

The energy density of Li-S Energy’s battery technology is close to 500 Wh/kg, bringing the company closer to commercializing its innovations, particularly in the rapidly expanding drone, defense and electric aviation markets where weight reduction is critical. Li-S Energy is currently working with Queensland-based drone developer V-TOL Aerospace and NSW-based solar cell manufacturer Halocell Energy to develop drones powered by its li-sulfur battery.

Dr. Lee Finniear, CEO of Li-S Energy, emphasized that the increased energy density has resulted in lighter batteries, which further improves the range, payload capacity and runtime of the products developed by the partners. He described this development as a major breakthrough in the emerging field of lithium-sulfur batteries. finniear noted that partners in the aerospace, UAV and defense industries have made it clear that they need the highest possible energy densities, as well as reliable battery production and a scalable approach to meet the increasing demand.

Going forward, Li-S Energy intends to focus on improving cell reliability, production accuracy and throughput at its 2 MWh production facility in Victoria. In addition, the company plans to work closely with existing partners to develop battery management systems and battery pack designs.Finniear expects to sign new partnerships in the coming months, and the latest performance results are likely to generate a great deal of global interest and opportunity.

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