Review—Advances in Rechargeable Li-S Full Cells

Abstract

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries with the high theoretical specific energy of 2600 Wh kg−1 are a promising candidate at the era of the post lithium-ion batteries. In most studies, lithium metal anode is used. To advance the Li-S battery towards practical application, Li-S full cells with low or non-Li metal anode need to be developed. Herein, the latest advances of the Li-S full cells are mainly categorized according to the initial state of the S cathode, i.e., sulfur (S) and lithium sulfide (Li2S). In each part, the challenges and strategies are thoroughly reviewed for the cells with different anodes, such as carbon, silicon, other alloys and metallic Li. The cycling performance comparisons of state-of-the-art Li-S full cells are also included. To achieve the high real energy density for practical applications, the Li-S full cells have to use low excess lithiated graphite, lithiated alloys, or metallic Li as the anodes. Meanwhile, the lean electrolyte is also important to further improve the practical energy density. The review is expected to supply a comprehensive guide to design Li-S full cells.