Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for discharging a Li—S battery having at least one battery unit comprising a lithium-containing anode and a sulfur-containing cathode with an electrolyte layer there between. One method comprises electrochemically surface treating the sulfur-containing cathode during discharge of the battery. A method of electrochemically surface treating a cathode of a lithium-sulfide battery comprises applying at least one oxidative voltage pulse during a pulse application period while the lithium-sulfur battery discharges and controlling pulse characteristics during the pulse application period, the pulse characteristics configured to affect a morphology of lithium sulfide forming on the sulfur-containing cathode during discharge.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for charging a lithium sulfur (Li—S) battery. The Li—S battery has at least one unit cell comprising a lithium-containing anode and a sulfur-containing cathode with an electrolyte layer there between. One method provides controlled application of voltage pulses at the beginning of the charging process. An application period is initiated after a discharge cycle of the Li—S battery is complete. During the application period, voltage pulses are provided to the Li—S battery. The voltage pulses are less than a constant current charging voltage. Constant current charging is initiated after the application period has elapsed.