Recent Advances of Freestanding Cathodes for Li-S Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with high energy density and low cost have been recognized as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems. Although it has taken decades of development, the practical application of LSBs has been hindered by several inherent obstacles, particularly the severe shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics in the sulfur cathode. Various strategies have been proposed to address these problems via rational design of electrode materials and configurations. Freestanding sulfur cathode could be a promising strategy to improve the sulfur mass loading at the cathode level and energy density of LSBs. This minireview will briefly summary the recent advances in freestanding cathodes for LSBs. The advantages and disadvantages of various freestanding cathodes are discussed and the prospects for the development of flexible cathodes are envisioned.

Automated summary

Lithium-sulfur batteries, known for their high energy density and low cost, have faced challenges in practical application due to issues like the shuttle effect and slow reaction kinetics in the sulfur cathode. Freestanding sulfur cathodes have emerged as a promising solution to enhance sulfur mass loading and energy density in LSBs. Research on freestanding cathodes for LSBs is advancing, with discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches and prospects for flexible cathode development.