Strategies to Suppress Polysulfide Dissolution and Its Effects on Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), with a high energy density (2600 (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.) kg−1) and theoretical specific capacity (1672 mA h g−1), are considered the most promising next-generation rechargeable energy storage devices. However, polysulfide dissolution and the shuttle effect cause severe capacity fading and the rapid loss of the active material; hence, these must be addressed first. This review provides an overview of various strategies employed to immobilise polysulfides via polysulfide trapping and physical and chemical adsorption using porous cathode designs, heterostructures, functionalised separators, and polymer binders. The working mechanism of each strategy is reviewed and discussed, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and they are analysed through comparisons of the battery performance and limitations in terms of practical applications. Finally, the future prospects for the design and synthesis of LSBs to limit polysulfide dissolution are discussed.