Product Information
Application
Product Introduction
Lithium Sulfide (Li₂S, CAS No. 12136-58-2) is a high-purity lithium-containing inorganic sulfide material and a key precursor widely used in solid-state batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, electrolyte materials, energy storage research, and advanced materials development. Lithium sulfide is considered one of the most important sulfur-containing lithium compounds because it provides both lithium and sulfur sources for next-generation battery technologies.
With its high theoretical sulfur content and compatibility with sulfide-based solid electrolytes, Li₂S plays a critical role in the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries, particularly sulfur-based cathode systems and sulfide electrolyte synthesis. It is also investigated as a precursor for lithium-containing ceramics, functional materials, and electrochemical applications.
Chemical Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Lithium Sulfide |
| Synonyms | Lithium Sulphide; Dilithium Sulfide; Li₂S |
| CAS Number | 12136-58-2 |
| Molecular Formula | Li₂S |
| Molecular Weight | 45.95 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to yellow powder |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (anti-fluorite type) |
| Melting Point | >900°C |
| Density | Approximately 1.66 g/cm³ |
| Sensitivity | Moisture sensitive |
Chemical Characteristics
Lithium Sulfide possesses several properties that make it valuable for advanced energy materials:
- High lithium and sulfur content
- Important precursor for lithium–sulfur battery materials
- Compatible with sulfide solid electrolyte synthesis
- Excellent source of sulfide ions
- Suitable for inorganic materials preparation
- Useful in electrochemical and energy storage research
Key Research Applications
1. Lithium–Sulfur Battery Research
Lithium Sulfide is a critical sulfur-containing material for the development of next-generation lithium–sulfur batteries.
Typical applications include:
- Sulfur cathode material preparation
- Lithium–sulfur battery development
- Cathode composite fabrication
- Electrochemical performance evaluation
- Energy storage materials research
Li₂S can serve as a sulfur source and lithium source in sulfur-based cathode systems, helping overcome challenges associated with elemental sulfur cathodes.
2. Solid-State Battery Materials
Lithium Sulfide is widely investigated as a precursor for sulfide-based solid electrolytes used in all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Typical applications include:
- Sulfide electrolyte synthesis
- Solid-state lithium battery development
- Lithium-ion conductivity studies
- Interface engineering
- Battery material optimization
Common sulfide electrolytes, such as lithium phosphorus sulfide materials and related glass-ceramic systems, often utilize Li₂S as a starting material.
3. Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Synthesis
Li₂S is an essential raw material in preparing lithium-ion conducting sulfide ceramics.
Typical applications include:
- Li₂S–P₂S₅ electrolyte systems
- Glassy sulfide electrolytes
- Superionic conductor development
- Solid electrolyte interface research
- Battery safety improvement studies
4. Electrochemical Materials Research
Lithium Sulfide is used as a model compound for studying lithium–sulfur chemistry and sulfur conversion reactions.
Typical applications include:
- Lithium polysulfide chemistry
- Redox mechanism studies
- Electrochemical reaction analysis
- Battery degradation studies
- Electrode material development
5. Advanced Materials Chemistry
Li₂S is also used as a precursor in the preparation of sulfur-containing inorganic materials.
Typical applications include:
- Metal sulfide synthesis
- Functional ceramic materials
- Nanomaterial preparation
- Solid-state chemistry research
- Inorganic material development
Recommended Experimental Conditions
| Parameter | Recommended Conditions |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature or 2–8°C according to supplier specification |
| Atmosphere | Dry inert atmosphere recommended |
| Moisture Protection | Required |
| Handling Environment | Glove box recommended for battery research |
| Solvents | Anhydrous solvents only |
Advantages
- High lithium and sulfur content
- Essential precursor for Li–S batteries
- Key material for solid-state battery research
- Suitable for sulfide electrolyte synthesis
- High electrochemical relevance
- Widely used in energy storage R&D
- Compatible with advanced inorganic synthesis
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly sealed container.
- Protect from moisture and humid air.
- Handle under dry inert atmosphere when possible.
- Avoid contact with water and acids.
- Use appropriate protective equipment during handling.
Lithium sulfide is moisture sensitive and can generate hazardous gases when exposed to water or acidic conditions; appropriate precautions are required.
Research Areas
- Solid-state batteries
- Lithium–sulfur batteries
- Electrochemical energy storage
- Battery materials
- Sulfide electrolytes
- Inorganic chemistry
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy storage technology
FAQ
What is Lithium Sulfide (Li₂S) mainly used for?
Lithium Sulfide is mainly used as a precursor for lithium–sulfur batteries and sulfide solid electrolytes, as well as in advanced inorganic materials research.
Why is Li₂S important for solid-state batteries?
Li₂S provides both lithium and sulfur sources required for synthesizing sulfide-based solid electrolytes, which are important materials for high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries.
What is the role of Li₂S in lithium–sulfur batteries?
Li₂S participates in sulfur conversion chemistry and can be used as an active sulfur-containing material or precursor for sulfur cathode development.
Can Lithium Sulfide be used to prepare sulfide electrolytes?
Yes. Li₂S is one of the primary starting materials for preparing sulfide-based lithium-ion conducting electrolytes.
How should Lithium Sulfide be stored?
Lithium Sulfide should be stored in a dry environment, protected from moisture and air exposure. For battery material research, handling inside an inert atmosphere glove box is recommended.
Is Lithium Sulfide suitable for battery research?
Yes. High-purity Li₂S is widely used in battery research, especially for lithium–sulfur batteries and all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Is this product intended for research use only?
Yes. This product is supplied for laboratory research, battery material development, analytical studies, and industrial R&D applications only.
