Revolutionizing lithium sulfur batteries: advanced nanocarbon scaffolds for superior sulfur cathodes

Lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as the potential next-generation energy storage system due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, LSBs also face problems such as the dissolution of lithium polysulfide, volume expansion, and the formation of lithium dendrites. Optimizing the design of sulfur cathode materials to tackle these issues at their source is the primary approach to enhancing the performance of LSBs, since the inherent limitations of sulfur are the root cause of the challenges in LSBs. The review covers the latest research on carbon-based sulfur cathode materials of LSBs, including structural design and functional optimization strategies, aiming to prepare multifunctional carbon-based sulfur cathodes by integrating physical confinement, chemical adsorption, and catalytic effect towards lithium polysulfides. The future development directions are prospected, including material design, optimization of reaction mechanisms, and low-cost preparation technologies.