Open AccessDemystifying the catalysis in lithium–sulfur batteries: Characterization methods and techniques
Author(s) -
Geng Chuannan,
Hua Wuxing,
Wang Dawei,
Ling Guowei,
Zhang Chen,
Yang QuanHong
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
susmat
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2692-4552
DOI - 10.1002/sus2.5
Subject(s) - characterization (materials science) , catalysis , limiting , battery (electricity) , nanotechnology , lithium (medication) , lithium–sulfur battery , sulfur , energy density , energy storage , redox , materials science , biochemical engineering , chemistry , engineering physics , inorganic chemistry , engineering , organic chemistry , physics , mechanical engineering , medicine , power (physics) , quantum mechanics , endocrinology
Lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries are promising next‐generation energy storage systems with ultrahigh energy density. However, the intrinsic sluggish “solid–liquid–solid” reaction between S 8 and Li 2 S causes unavoidable shuttling of polysulfides, severely limiting the practical energy density and cycling performance. Recently, the catalysis process has been introduced for the sulfur redox reaction to accelerate the conversion of polysulfides, providing a positive remedy for the polysulfides shuttling. Nevertheless, in‐depth understanding of the catalyst evaluation criteria and catalytic mechanism still lies in the “black box”, and precise characterization technique is the key to unlock this puzzle. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of characterization techniques on the catalyst in Li‐S batteries from two aspects of catalytic performance and catalytic mechanism, highlighting their significance and calling for more efforts to develop precise and fast techniques for Li‐S catalysis. Moreover, we envision the future development of characterization for better understanding the catalysis toward practical Li‐S battery.