Review-From Nano Size Effect to In Situ Wrapping: Rational Design of Cathode Structure for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Rechargeable Li-S batteries have become attractive for next-generation energy storage technology due to their high specific energy, low cost, and materials earth abundance. However, the Li-S technology has not been successfully commercialized because of several outstanding challenges including fast capacity fading, low Coulombic efficiency, and limited rate capability. Over the past few years, considerable efforts have been devoted to solving the challenges associated with the sulfur cathode. In thismini review, we summarize our recent advances in Li-S cathodes, such as the understanding of the nano-size effect in sulfur materials, the design of polymer functional additives, and the realization of a novel in situ wrapping approach for Li-S cathodes. The current Li-S technology calls for a rational design of the Li-S cathode that can lead to excellent overall performance of Li-S batteries. (C) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS.