Novel Cobalt Framework Boosts Aluminium-Sulphur Battery Performance

The quest for better batteries has led researchers to develop a promising new cathode material for aluminium-sulphur (Al-S) systems. Advancing this technology hinges on creating materials that are both structurally robust and can effectively manage internal chemical reactions.

To meet this challenge, scientists have proposed a cobalt-based Prussian blue analogue (CoPBA). This material is a type of metal-organic framework, an intricate structure at the molecular level that provides both strength and an ability to 'anchor' polysulfides—a critical factor for battery stability.

When this framework was used to host sulphur in a cathode, its performance was impressive. In laboratory tests, the battery demonstrated a high discharge capacity, retaining over 414.0 mA h g⁻¹ after 650 charge-discharge cycles. This combination of effective chemical confinement and structural integrity marks a significant step forward for Al-S battery development.