Wide Working Temperature Range Rechargeable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: A Critical Review

At the technological forefront of energy storage, there is still a continuous upsurge in demand for high energy and power density batteries that can operate at a wide range of temperature. Rechargeable lithium sulfur batteries stand out among other advanced cell concepts owing to their ultrahigh theoretical gravimetric energy density characteristic as well as merits of low cost and environmental friendliness. Although achieving good operability of ambient lithium sulfur batteries, extending their workability to both higher and lower temperatures is also of paramount importance especially for future task-specific applications. As a first attempt, this review presents a comprehensive understanding on the advances, challenges, and future research directions on lithium sulfur batteries operating at both low and high temperature extremes. From a material perspective, the workability of sulfur-containing cathode materials, advanced electrolytes (from conventional liquid to quasi- and all-solid-state electrolytes), lithium metal anodes and the electrochemically inert components (separators and interlayer materials) at extreme temperatures are thoroughly analyzed. The insurmountable challenges and mechanistic understandings caused by thermal changes are critically reviewed. Finally, potential future research directions and prospects for lithium sulfur batteries operated at a wide range of temperature are also proposed.

Automated summary

Lithium sulfur batteries, with their ultrahigh theoretical gravimetric energy density and low cost and environmental friendliness, are being further developed to operate at a wide range of temperatures. Challenges in material performance, electrolytes, lithium metal anodes, and the impact of thermal changes are key areas for future research directions in enabling lithium sulfur batteries to function effectively in extreme temperature conditions.