Recent progress in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)-derived nanomaterials for effective lithium polysulfide management in lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been considered as a promising and competitive option for novel energy storage due to their intrinsically remarkable energy density and low cost. Unfortunately, the commercialization of LSBs is plagued with several notorious drawbacks, especially the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and their sluggish redox kinetics. In this respect, a consensus has been reached that only integrating proper physical/chemical regulation can realize effective LiPS management and lead to overall optimization of LSBs. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived nanomaterials have excellent physical/chemical configurations such as high specific surface area (SSA), sufficient pores, and ample electrocatalytic sites, which make them versatile materials for comprehensive LiPS management. Herein, this timely review first provides a detailed illustration of the progress in physical/chemical methods of LiPS management for LSBs and then discusses the methodology of how to prepare ZIF-derived nanomaterials with various morphologies, structures, and chemical components for the confinement and utility of LiPSs. Finally, we systematically summarize current shortcomings and latent prospects of the application of ZIF-derived nanomaterials. We firmly believe that this review can provide beneficial inspiration for the future development of ZIF-derived nanomaterials for application in LSBs.

Automated summary

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have potential as a low-cost and high-energy-density energy storage option, but their commercialization is hindered by issues such as the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and slow redox kinetics. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived nanomaterials with their unique physical and chemical configurations have shown promise in effectively managing LiPSs. This review provides an overview of the progress in physical/chemical methods of LiPS management for LSBs and discusses the preparation and application of ZIF-derived nanomaterials for confining and utilizing LiPSs.