Structural Design of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: From Fundamental Research to Practical Application

TLDR

Lithium–sulfur batteries are considered among the most promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and cost‑effectiveness, yet the substantial gap between fundamental research and practical application remains a major obstacle to commercialization. This review examines Li–S battery structural design from an engineering perspective, outlining key parameters for application and discussing future directions and prospects. The authors systematically analyze parameters such as sulfur loading, electrolyte/sulfur ratio, discharge capacity, voltage, Li excess, and sulfur content to assess their impact on gravimetric and volumetric energy density and cost, and compare statistical data from recent publications to identify shortcomings. They identify major shortcomings in current Li–S technology and propose potential strategies to address these issues. A graphical abstract is provided.

Abstract

Abstract Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices that have the potential to deliver energy densities that supersede that of state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries. Due to their high theoretical energy density and cost-effectiveness, Li–S batteries have received great attention and have made great progress in the last few years. However, the insurmountable gap between fundamental research and practical application is still a major stumbling block that has hindered the commercialization of Li–S batteries. This review provides insight from an engineering point of view to discuss the reasonable structural design and parameters for the application of Li–S batteries. Firstly, a systematic analysis of various parameters (sulfur loading, electrolyte/sulfur ( E / S ) ratio, discharge capacity, discharge voltage, Li excess percentage, sulfur content, etc.) that influence the gravimetric energy density, volumetric energy density and cost is investigated. Through comparing and analyzing the statistical information collected from recent Li–S publications to find the shortcomings of Li–S technology, we supply potential strategies aimed at addressing the major issues that are still needed to be overcome. Finally, potential future directions and prospects in the engineering of Li–S batteries are discussed. Graphical Abstract