Polymers for high performance Li-S batteries: Material selection and structure design

The application requirements and research interest have advanced the development of Li-S batteries with high energy densities. The challenges of sulfur conductivity, the polysulfide shuttle effect, and the formation of lithium dendrites are waiting for a comprehensive solution that requires multiple methods. Selected polymers with a properly designed structure and specific properties could be used for applications in Li-S batteries, such as for the cathode, separator, electrolyte, anode, and the emerging interlayer. The functions of various polymers in Li-S batteries is reviewed based on their unique structure and properties, as well as the associated electrochemical mechanisms, to address the challenges of the poor conductivity, shuttle effect, Li2Srn deposition, volume expansion and Li dendrite. This review is intended to serve as a general guide for research to facilitate the design and synthesis of novel polymers, to further improve Li-S battery performance. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.