Electrochemical Insights, Developing Strategies, and Perspectives toward Advanced Potassium-Sulfur Batteries

The boosting demand for high-capacity energy storage systems requires innovative battery technologies with low-cost and sustainability. The advancement of potassium-sulfur (K-S) batteries have been triggered recently due to abundant resource and cost effectiveness. However, the functional performance of K-S batteries is fundamentally restricted by the vague understanding of K-S electrochemistry and the imperfect cell components or architectures, facing the issues of low cathode conductivity, intermediate shuttle loss, poor anode stability, electrode volume fluctuation, etc. Inspired by considerable research efforts on rechargeable metal-sulfur batteries, the holistic K-S system can be stabilized and promoted through various strategies on rational physical regulation and chemical engineering. In this review, first an attempt is made to address the electrochemical kinetic concept of K-S system on the basis of the emerging studies. Then, the classification of performance-improving strategies is thoroughly discussed in terms of specific battery component and prospective outlooks in materials optimization, structure innovations, as well as relevant electrochemistry are provided. Finally, the critical perspectives and challenges are discussed to demonstrate the forward-looking developmental directions of K-S batteries. This review not only endeavors to provide a deep understanding of the electrochemistry mechanism and rational designs for high-energy K-S batteries, but also encourages more efforts in their large-scale practical realization.