Recent Advances in Heterostructure Engineering for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

As a prospective next-generation energy storage solution, lithium-sulfur batteries excel at their economical attractiveness (sulfur abundance) and electrochemical performance (high energy density, approximate to 2600 Wh kg(-1)). However, their application is impracticable without addressing the following vital issues: i) shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LPSs), ii) sluggish redox conversion kinetics of LPSs, iii) large volumetric expansion of S after lithiation (approximate to 80%), and iv) uncontrollable Li dendritic formation. Recently, many strategies have been proposed to solve these issues, which have focused on physical/chemical entrapment of LPSs, catalytic promotion of LPSs conversion and directional regulation of Li plating/stripping. Designing/constructing heterostructured materials is one of the promising approaches to potentially resolve all the above challenges with one material. In this review, the recent advances of heterostructures focused on S cathodes, interlayers and Li anodes are reviewed in detail. First, the fundamental chemistry of Li-S batteries and principles of heterostructures reinforced Li-S batteries are described. Second, the applications of heterostructures in Li-S batteries are discussed comprehensively. Finally, a concise outlook on utilizing the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of heterostructures is delivered, with the aim to provide some inspiration for the design and fabrication of advanced Li-S batteries.

Automated summary

Lithium-sulfur batteries show promise as a next-generation energy storage solution due to their economic attractiveness and high energy density, but face challenges such as the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides and uncontrollable Li dendritic formation. Various strategies have been proposed to address these issues, with a focus on trapping polysulfides, catalyzing their conversion, and regulating Li plating/stripping. Designing and constructing heterostructured materials is seen as a promising approach to potentially resolve these challenges.