Recent innovative configurations in high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries

The detrimental shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides in ether-based liquid electrolytes upon cycling and their reduction/deposition on the lithium metal anode surface have severely restricted the practical application of rechargeable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Much effort has been devoted to blocking the undesirable diffusion and shuttling of lithium polysulfides. In this review, recent developments of novel configurations for Li-S batteries, including hierarchical gradient cathodes, modified separators, solid-state electrolytes and lithium anode protection, are presented. It should be emphasized that the specific energy and cycling life are the most important parameters in the future production of Li-S batteries. Moreover, there are still enormous probabilities for the further development of novel configurations to improve the performance of the current Li-S batteries for portable devices and electric vehicles. Hence, these effective and reasonable configurations represent a significant step towards the commercialization of Li-S batteries.