Interface engineering toward stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

The lithium–sulfur battery, one of the most potential high-energy-density rechargeable batteries, has obtained significant progress in overcoming challenges from both sulfur cathode and lithium anode. However, the unstable multi-interfaces between electrodes and electrolytes, as well as within the electrodes themselves still limit their commercial application. In this review, typical interfaces in the lithium–sulfur battery system are classified as solid/solid and solid/liquid interfaces. Subsequently, the unique multi-interfacial issues in lithium–sulfur batteries and their impact on lithium–sulfur electrochemistry are carefully discussed. Recent progress in the understanding of lithium–sulfur electrochemistry, interface optimization strategies, and the corresponding electrochemical performance are discussed. In particular, we summarize some advanced characterization techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the basic mechanism of these core issues of lithium–sulfur electrochemistry and multi-interfacial problems. Finally, the interfacial challenges in practical lithium–sulfur batteries and feasible interfacial modification strategies are summarized for future research. We provide some insights on the interface structure design in high-performance liquid or solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries in the future.