Energy-Dense Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, bearing a high energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹) and low cost, are one of the most attractive next-generation battery technologies used for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. However, the polysulfide dissolution problem greatly restricts the energy density and cycle life of Li-S batteries. Novel strategies are urgently needed to tackle this challenge. All-solid-state Li-S batteries with no polysulfide dissolution have recently emerged as promising technologies. Nevertheless, the degradation mechanism, particularly the mechanochemical evolution of the cell, remains unclear.

In this Special Issue, we are looking for contributions that:

• Develop conductive hosts to mediate polysulfide dissolution and migration;
• Synthesize polymeric sulfur active materials with restricted polysulfide dissolution;
• Promote conversion reaction kinetics using electrocatalysts;
• Fabricate Li-S cells with high mass loading and a low electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio;
• Develop new liquid/semi-solid/solid-state electrolytes to restrict or fundamentally prevent polysulfide dissolution;
• Understand the mechanical or chemical evolution of all-solid-state Li-S batteries;
• Study degradation mechanisms by simulating the evolution of cells or cell components.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advanced conductive hosts;
• Structured electrodes;
• Electrocatalysis of sulfur conversion reactions;
• Liquid/semi-solid/solid-state electrolyte engineering;
• Mechanochemical evolutions；
• Degradation mechanisms.

Dr. Daiwei Wang
Dr. Meng Liao
Guest Editors

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• lithium–sulfur battery
• polysulfide dissolution
• shuttle effect
• electrocatalysis
• electrolyte engineering
• polymeric sulfur
• high energy density
• mechanochemical evolution