The strategies of advanced cathode composites for lithium-sulfur batteries

• Published in: Science China. Technological sciences 2017-02, Vol.60 (2), p.175-185
• Main Authors: Zhou, Kuan, Fan, XiaoJing, Wei, XiangFeng, Liu, JieHua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathodes; Chemical synthesis; Encapsulation; Engineering; Lithium sulfur batteries; Review; Storage systems; 复合材料; 存储系统; 循环寿命; 正极材料; 电化学性能; 电池正极; 能量密度; 锂离子电池
• ISSN: 1674-7321; 1869-1900
• DOI: 10.1007/s11431-016-0664-0

Lithium-sulfur batteries have been widely nominated as one of the most promising next-generation electrochemical storage systems due to its low cost, high capacity and energy density. However, its practical application is still hindered by poor cycling lifetime, low Coulombic efficiency, instability and small scales. In the last decade, the electrochemical performances of the lithium-sulfur batteries have been improved by developing various novel nanoarchitectures as qualified hosts, and enhancing the sulfur loading with effective encapsulating strategies. The review summarizes the major sulfur cooperating strategies of cathodes based on background and latest progress of the lithium-sulfur batteries. The novel cooperating strategies of physical techniques and chemical synthesis techniques are discussed in detail. Based on the rich chemistry of sulfur, we paid more attention to the highlights of sulfur encapsulating strategies. Furthermore, the critical research directions in the coming future are proposed in the conclusion and outlook section.