Multifunctional Strategies in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: From Fundamentals to Future Technologies

With the growing demand for energy storage and the need for sustainable solutions, there has been a shift from the widely acknowledged lithium-ion battery (LIBs) to other alternatives, such as the lithium-sulfur battery (LSB). With a theoretical capacity of approximately 1675 mA h g^-1 and a higher energy density of about 2600 Wh kg^-1, LSB has proven to be a promising energy storage system compared to other conventional ones. This review explores the key reactions involved in the LSB, such as polysulfide dissolution and Li₂S nucleation-growth mechanisms, as well as issues such as the shuttle effect and ways to suppress it. Catalytic conductive cathodes and high-performance engineered electrolytes, as well as separators that can block the polysulfide effect, are also taken into context. Other strategies, such as artificial solid electrolyte interface (ASEI) layers, device-level integration, etc., can revolutionize fast-charging capabilities and can be taken into account. Additionally, the review discusses cutting-edge characterization techniques such as in situ and real-time monitoring as well as AI-guided modeling to better modify the study. Lastly, an outlook on future perspectives and conclusions is provided to conclude the implications for next-gen LSB.