Critical Role of Sulfur-Containing Constituents in Electrolytes for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries with a Focus on Lithium-Ion Batteries

As the core channel for ion transport in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the source of reactants for reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface, the electrolyte participates in almost all electrochemical processes within LIBs. The electrolyte formulation typically consists of lithium salt, solvent, and additives, each of which exerts a crucial influence on the comprehensive performance of LIBs. In traditional LIB systems, carbonates and their derivatives are commonly used as mainstream solvents and additives due to their excellent solubility for electrolyte salts and broad compatibility with various electrodes. Additionally, sulfur-containing constituents are often introduced into the electrolyte system to further optimize the electrochemical performance of LIBs. This work systematically reviews the functional mechanisms of S-containing constituents in LIB electrolytes, focusing on their regulatory role in the formation process of the solid electrolyte interphase film (SEI film), the optimizing effect on the bulk properties of the electrolyte, and their application in enhancing the performance of different electrodes. The results of this research are expected to help readers deeply understand the regulatory laws of S-containing constituents on LIB performance and provide theoretical references for their efficient application in practical LIB devices.