Design principles for practical lithium-sulfur cells: high-loading sulfur cathodes, thin lithium-metal anodes, and lean electrolyte conditions

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur cells are among the most promising candidates for next-generation energy-storage systems because of their high theoretical capacity (1,675 mA·h g^-1) and energy density (2,600 W·h kg^-1). The low cost and environmental benignity associated with sulfur’s natural abundance further position lithium-sulfur cells as sustainable solutions for large-scale applications such as electric vehicles and grid storage. This review summarizes recent advances and remaining challenges in three critical aspects that govern the performance of practical lithium-sulfur cell: high-loading sulfur cathodes, thin lithium-metal anodes, and lean-electrolyte configurations. High-loading cathodes continue to suffer from limited sulfur utilization, sluggish redox kinetics, and structural instability, all of which restrict the achievable high charge-storage capacity. Thin lithium-metal anodes, while essential for reducing the negative-to-positive capacity (N/P) ratio, are prone to rapid deterioration arising from unstable interfaces, uneven lithium deposition, and dead-lithium accumulation. Lean-electrolyte systems, which are essential for achieving high energy density, face additional challenges associated with polysulfide dissolution, resulting in increased cell impedance and shortened cycle life. Recent progress in multifunctional binders, catalytic sulfur hosts, and engineered separators or interlayers offers promising pathways to mitigate these interrelated challenges. By integrating these material and architectural strategies, lithium-sulfur batteries are steadily progressing from laboratory demonstrations toward industrial scalability, opening viable opportunities for high-energy, low-cost rechargeable storage.

Keywords

Lithium-sulfur batteries / high-loading sulfur cathodes / thin lithium-metal anodes / lean-electrolyte cells / polysulfides

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