Towards the commercialization of Li-S battery: From lab to industry

Li-S batteries are considered a highly promising technology for next-generation rechargeable batteries due to their compelling features, including a substantial theoretical energy density, cost-effectiveness in terms of active materials, and environmental friendliness, as they do not require nickel, cobalt, or manganese, compared to state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. Despite extensive efforts from academia and industry, achieving a commercially viable Li-S battery remains a formidable challenge. Challenges such as the insulting nature of sulfur cathode, polysulfide shuttling in organic ether-based electrolytes, and dendrite growth on lithium anodes must be addressed to enhance the performance of Li-S batteries. In addition, the gap between Li-S research advancements at laboratory scale (coin cell) and industrial scale (pouch cell) is substantial. To close this gap, researchers must focus on scaling up the manufacturing processes, improving material stability, and optimizing battery design to meet industrial standard. This review will identify the key issues at the fundamental and cell levels that limit the practical application of Li-S batteries and offer an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies in Li-S battery pouch cell development, along with industrial efforts in commercial technology development.