Research progress in highly-stable high-capacity lithium sulfur batteries and prospects for ultra-thin solid state technology

<p indent="0mm">With high energy density and low cost, lithium sulfur batteries are considered as promising next-generation energy storage technology. However, issues such as the poor conductivity of the sulfur cathode and the “shuttle effect” of polysulfides have largely limited their practical development. Herein, the progress in stable lithium sulfur batteries is reviewed, and a research and development outlook for future ultra-thin solid state technology is presented. To improve the conductivity of the sulfur cathode, optimizations have been made from two aspects: enhancing the inherent conductivity of the sulfur cathode itself and the conductivity of the sulfur host materials. For suppressing the ‘shuttle effect’ of polysulfides, the research and development of the four components of the battery are overviewed, covering insights into research advances in sulfur cathode, separator, binder, and electrolyte. Among them, the progress in different types of electrolytes, including liquid, gel semi-solid, and several all-solid electrolytes, is introduced. Finally, an outlook on the development of ultra-thin solid state lithium sulfur battery technology is given, proposing that by optimizing the composition and structure of solid-state electrolytes and improving interface processing technologies, ultra-thin solid-state technology can be developed to achieve practical lithium sulfur batteries. Through materials innovation, preparation process upgrading, and interface engineering, lithium sulfur batteries are expected to achieve high stability, high capacity, fast charging, and long cycle life to meet future energy storage demands.