Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Challenges, Progress, and Strategies

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) represent a promising next-generation energy storage system, with advantages such as high specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), abundant resources, low price, and ecological friendliness. During the application of liquid electrolytes, the flammability of organic electrolytes, and the dissolution/shuttle of polysulfide seriously damage the safety and the cycle life of lithium–sulfur batteries. Replacing a liquid electrolyte with a solid one is a good solution, while the higher mechanical strength of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) has an inhibitory effect on the growth of lithium dendrites. However, the lower ionic conductivity, poor interfacial contact, and relatively narrow electrochemical window of solid-state electrolytes limit the commercialization of solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (SSLSBs). This review describes the research progress in LSBs and the challenges faced by SSEs, which are classified as polymer electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes, and composite electrolytes. The advantages, as well as the disadvantages of various types of electrolytes, the common coping strategies to improve performance, and future development trends, are systematically described.