Room-temperature metal-sulfur batteries: What can we learn from lithium-sulfur?

Rechargeable metal-sulfur batteries with the use of low-cost sulfur cathodes and varying choice of metal anodes (Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Al) represent diverse energy storage solutions to satisfy different application requirements. In comparison to the highly-regarded lithium-sulfur batteries, the use of nonlithium-metal anodes in metal-sulfur batteries offers multiple advantages in terms of abundance, cost, and volumetric energy density. Although with the same sulfur cathode, metal-sulfur batteries show considerably differences in the electrochemical reaction pathway and capacity fading mechanism. Herein, we provide an overview of correlations and differences in metal-sulfur batteries, highlighting the knowledge and experience that can be transplanted from lithium-sulfur to other metal-sulfur batteries. We first discuss the historical development and the electrochemical reaction mechanism of various metal-sulfur batteries. This is then followed by an analysis of key challenges of metal-sulfur batteries including polysulfide shutting, cathode passivation, and anode stability. Finally, a short perspective is presented about the possible future development of metal-sulfur batteries.

Automated summary

Rechargeable metal-sulfur batteries with low-cost sulfur cathodes and different metal anodes offer diverse energy storage solutions. Compared to lithium-sulfur batteries, metal-sulfur batteries using non-lithium metal anodes have advantages in terms of abundance, cost, and volumetric energy density. However, metal-sulfur batteries show differences in electrochemical reaction pathway and capacity fading mechanism despite using the same sulfur cathode.