Minireview on Aqueous Zinc-Sulfur Batteries: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

An aqueous zinc-sulfur battery (AZSB) representsa promisingnext-generation energy storage technology as a result of its salientfeatures of safety, affordability, and environmental benignity. Theincorporation of earth-abundant and environmentally friendly sulfurcathodes, zinc anodes, and aqueous electrolytes, coupled with thehigh theoretical energy density, positions an AZSB as a cost-effectiveand scalable technology with potential applications in grid-scaleenergy storage and portable electronics. This review provides a comprehensivereview of the current status of research in AZSBs, discussing challengesfaced, recent advances, and future perspectives. The major challengesassociated with the aqueous electrolyte, zinc anode, and sulfur cathodeare discussed in detail with a rational classification. These challengeslimit the performance, cycling stability, and overall efficiency ofAZSBs. Various strategies to address these issues, including electrolytemodification and electrode design, are critically analyzed and evaluated.Specifically, the review highlights recent advancements in research,including the development of advanced electrolytes by adding additivesand the synthesis of novel electrode materials for enhanced electrochemicalperformance. Further, the utility of advanced characterization techniquesfor understanding and predicting the reaction mechanism occurringin an AZSB is reviewed. Along with a review of ongoing research activitiesin the field, future prospects and potential applications of thisnovel battery technology are also explored. Overall, this review identifiesthe need for continued research and development efforts to overcomethe remaining challenges and, thus, realize the full potential ofAZSBs in practical energy storage applications.