Strategies towards High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Rechargeable Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been considered as a potential candidate for next-generation energy storage technologies because of ultrahigh-energy density (2600 Wh kg(-1)) and being lightweight. However, the practical applications of LSBs are currently limited by lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle, continuous electrolyte decomposition, and lithium anode corrosion. These challenges are mainly related to the cathode structure framework, the reactive nature of lithium anode, and the redox reactions occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Proper cathode architecture design, development of novel electrolytes, and anode protection have been developed to improve the electrochemical performance of LSBs. In this review, the working principles and challenges of LSBs are briefly introduced. The strategies to overcome the challenges of LSBs, such as electrode design and modification, development of novel electrolytes, separator modification/functional interlayer insertion, and protection of lithium anode are systematically discussed. The advanced in situ/operando characterization techniques deployed to reveal the redox chemistries of LSBs also summarized. Finally, a summary and future perspective for developing electrode structure, electrolyte engineering, functional interlayers/separators, and anode protection for the practical application of LSBs are provided.