A review of size engineering-enabled electrocatalysts for Li–S chemistry

Abstract

Li–S batteries (LSBs) have received extensive attention owing to their remarkable theoretical capacity (1672 mA h g⁻¹) and high energy density (2600 W h kg⁻¹), which are far beyond those of the state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the retarded sulfur reaction kinetics and fatal shuttle effect have hindered the practical implementations of LSBs. In response, constructing electrocatalysts for Li–S systems has been considered an effective strategy to date. Particularly, size engineering-enabled electrocatalysts show high activity in the sulfur redox reaction, considerably contributing to the latest advances in Li–S system research. In this tutorial review, we provide a systematic summary of nano- to atomic-scale electrocatalysts employed in Li–S chemistry, aiming at figuring out the working mechanism of size engineering-enabled electrocatalysts in the sulfur redox reaction and guiding the rational construction of advanced LSBs toward practically viable applications.