Open AccessMultiscale Understanding of Covalently Fixed Sulfur–Polyacrylonitrile Composite as Advanced Cathode for Metal–Sulfur Batteries
Author(s) -
Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin,
Lee Suyeong,
Agostini Marco,
Jeong MinGi,
Jung HunGi,
Ming Jun,
Sun YangKook,
Kim Jaekook,
Hwang JangYeon
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202101123
Subject(s) - polysulfide , sulfur , polyacrylonitrile , battery (electricity) , materials science , cathode , covalent bond , dissolution , electrochemistry , carbon fibers , energy storage , porosity , electrode , composite number , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , electrolyte , chemistry , composite material , polymer , organic chemistry , metallurgy , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Metal–sulfur batteries (MSBs) provide high specific capacity due to the reversible redox mechanism based on conversion reaction that makes this battery a more promising candidate for next‐generation energy storage systems. Recently, along with elemental sulfur (S 8 ), sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN), in which active sulfur moieties are covalently bounded to carbon backbone, has received significant attention as an electrode material. Importantly, SPAN can serve as a universal cathode with minimized metal–polysulfide dissolution because sulfur is immobilized through covalent bonding at the carbon backbone. Considering these unique structural features, SPAN represents a new approach beyond elemental S 8 for MSBs. However, the development of SPAN electrodes is in its infancy stage compared to conventional S 8 cathodes because several issues such as chemical structure, attached sulfur chain lengths, and over‐capacity in the first cycle remain unresolved. In addition, physical, chemical, or specific treatments are required for tuning intrinsic properties such as sulfur loading, porosity, and conductivity, which have a pivotal role in improving battery performance. This review discusses the fundamental and technological discussions on SPAN synthesis, physicochemical properties, and electrochemical performance in MSBs. Further, the essential guidance will provide research directions on SPAN electrodes for potential and industrial applications of MSBs.