Recent Progress of Anode Protection in Li-S Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have gradually reached their theoretical limits. To meet the growing demand for higher energy storage technology, finding alternative battery chemistries has become the major concern. Fortunately, lithium-sulfur batteries are considered the most promising next-generation energy storage technology due to being cost-effective and having high theoretical energy density. However, the further commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries is hindered due to the growth of lithium dendrites and the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides. This review provides an overview of the challenges facing lithium-sulfur batteries. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of lithium metal protection strategies is provided including electrolyte optimization, construction of artificial solid electrolyte layers, utilization of hosting materials, and design of separators, as well as a theoretical understanding and analysis of the underlying methods. This review puts forward general conclusions and prospects for the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries in the future and the promotion of technology development of lithium metal batteries.