Synergistic approaches to alleviate issues of Li and S electrodes in solid-state polymer-based lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have garnered significant attention as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for stationary energy storage applications, due to their high theoretical specific capacity of 1675 mAh.g⁻¹ and energy density of 2600 Wh.kg⁻¹ . However, the commercialization of LSBs is impeded by critical challenges, including rapid capacity fading, short cycle life, and low-rate capability, primarily attributed to the polysulfide shuttle effect and lithium dendrite growth. To overcome these obstacles, extensive research has been conducted on various strategies, such as the utilization of solid-state electrolytes to prevent polysulfide dissolution and dendrite formation, cathode modifications to enhance polysulfide retention and reaction kinetics, and the development of advanced separators to selectively block polysulfides. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive review focusing on the simultaneous mitigation of both the polysulfide shuttle effect and lithium dendrite growth within the framework of solid-state polymer-based electrolytes is notably absent. This review addresses this gap by providing a thorough analysis of the challenges in LSBs and presenting an integrated approach that combines advanced electrolyte and cathode materials. Specifically, we highlight the use of polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolytes reinforced with biodegradable cellulose fillers, which demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties, effective dendrite suppression, and reduced polysulfide diffusion. Furthermore, we discuss emerging cathode designs that incorporate catalytic materials, Lewis acid-base sites and polar adsorbents to accelerate redox reactions and immobilize polysulfides. By integrating insights from recent studies, this work offers a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in LSB technology and identifies key research directions for achieving high-performance, safe, and sustainable lithium-sulfur batteries.