Electropolymerisation Technologies for Next-Generation Lithium-Sulphur Batteries

Lithium-sulphur batteries (LiSBs) have garnered significant attention as the next-generation energy storage device because of their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the undesirable shuttle effect by lithium polysulphides (LPSs) severely inhibits their practical application. To alleviate the shuttle effect, conductive polymers have been used to fabricate LiSBs owing to their improved electrically conducting pathways, flexible mechanical properties, and high affinity to LPSs, which allow the shuttle effect to be controlled. In this study, the applications of various conductive polymers prepared via the simple yet sophisticated electropolymerisation (EP) technology are systematically investigated based on the main components of LiSBs (cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes). Finally, the potential application of EP technology in next-generation batteries is comprehensively discussed.

Automated summary

Lithium-sulphur batteries (LiSBs) are being widely studied as next-generation energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the shuttle effect caused by lithium polysulphides (LPSs) limits their practical application. Conductive polymers have been used to fabricate LiSBs and control the shuttle effect by providing improved electrically conducting pathways, flexible mechanical properties, and high affinity to LPSs. This study systematically investigates the applications of various conductive polymers prepared via electropolymerisation technology in different components of LiSBs and discusses the potential application of this technology in next-generation batteries.