Active MXene-Based Electrode Interface Chemistry for High Performance Li-S Battery: Design Strategies and Prospects

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery with high capacity and energy density is a promising next-generation energy storage device. However, the shuttle effect of polysulfides causes the low utilization of sulfur and the side reactions at the electrode interface. The electrode/electrolyte interface determines the chemical activity of electrode and electrochemical reversibility as well as the cycling stability of battery. Therefore, the ideal electrode interface in Li-S battery depends on the sulfur loading, the fast ion diffusion, the effective utilization of active intermediates, and the uniform deposition of lithium ion on anode. MXene with two dimension layer structure, good conductivity, and abundant terminal groups can serve as the active interface carrier layer to load sulfur, anchor polysulfides, and accelerate ion transfer. This review summarizes three strategies of active MXene-based electrode interfaces including sulfur host interface, functional separator interface, and lithium anode interface based on the electrochemical principles and challenges of Li-S battery. In addition, the interfacial regulation and application of MXene-based materials focus on the electrochemical activity and reversibility of polysulfides in electrochemical process are also presented. Finally, the further prospective and challenges of MXene in Li-S battery are also discussed.