Publication Date
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
Advisor
Philip Dirlam; Andro Rios; Gianmarc Grazioli
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries have risen as the predominant energy storage technology over the last 25 years. But Li-ion technology is approaching its theoretical limits, and new energy storage platforms are being developed to scale with the ever-increasing demand. Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) chemistries theoretically provide more than a six-fold increase in charge/discharge capacities. Such an increase would present a generational leap in energy storage technologies. But the electrochemical challenge of lithium polysulfide generation and dissolution, and its resultant detrimental effect of shortened cycle lifetimes, poor rate capability, and decreased capacity retention, have impeded wider Li-S adoption. Organosulfur polymers, produced via inverse vulcanization, have been studied for their promising performance characteristics in Li-S batteries. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with high ionic and electronic conductivities, have also been explored as additives to Li-S batteries for the same purpose. In this project, we report the synthesis, electrochemical and materials characterization, of a novel sulfur polymer-MOF composite that combines both these approaches to yield electroactive materials for Li-S batteries with significantly improved performance compared to elemental sulfur. Furthermore, we report developments in battery engineering that enabled high functional coin cell yields using 3D printable tools and a unified assembly workflow.
Recommended Citation
Miranda, Daryl, "Developments in Sulfur Polymer-Mof Composites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Coin Cell Engineering for Next Generation Lithium-Sulfur Batteries" (2026). Master's Theses. 5758.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.m9b5-mjga
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/5758
