The presolvation strategy of Li2S cathodes for lithium–sulfur batteries: a review

Abstract

The presolvated Li₂S cathodes can be matched with lithium metal-free electrodes to overcome the safety problems of lithium–sulfur batteries, which can contribute to promising devices for next-generation energy storage fields and enhance the performance of batteries by tailoring the solid–liquid reaction interface. Most importantly, this facile loading method of liquid Li₂S can provide a new opportunity to construct a commercially viable assembly for industrial batteries. However, few reviews have concentrated on the challenges and opportunities of preliquid Li₂S-based batteries. Hence, we provide an overview of recent results on preliquid Li₂S cathodes for high-performance batteries. First, the synthetic methods of liquid Li₂S are summarized with their features. This is then followed by an up-to-date account of different functional materials to reduce the overpotential of preliquid Li₂S and improve the electrochemical properties by engineering the structure, tailoring the interface, modifying catalytic sites, and adding functional materials. Finally, a short outlook is proposed about the potential future developments and commercialization processes in preliquid Li₂S-based batteries.