Protein-Functionalized Separator for Suppression of Shuttle Effect and Regulation of Lithium Deposition in Li-S Batteries

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer high theoretical energy density, yet their practical application is limited by critical issues, including the polysulfide shuttle effect and irregular lithium deposition. To address these issues, we employ a natural protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), to functionalize the commercial separator for enhancing the performance of Li-S batteries. The functionalization is prepared by well integrating denatured BSA and a polar polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PHFP), onto separators via a viable solution process. BSA features ionizable functional groups, imparts a negatively charged surface, enabling both the repulsion of polysulfides toward the cathode and favorable interactions with lithium ions at the anode interface. The PHFP matrix ensures mechanical integrity and thermal stability while maintaining the denatured conformation of BSA to expose its functional active sites. The resulting BSA-PHFP-modified separator exhibits enhanced electrolyte wettability, promotes uniform lithium-ion flux, and effectively mitigates shuttle-induced degradation. As a result, the modified separator enables Li-S cells to deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 782.1 mAh g⁻¹ and retain 414 mAh g⁻¹ over 500 cycles at 0.5 A g⁻¹. This study highlights the promise of bio-derived materials in designing multifunctional components in advancing high-performance Li-S battery systems.

Keywords

biomaterial / Li-S battery / natural protein / separator

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2025 The Author(s). Battery Energy published by Xijing University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.