Emerging multifunctional iron-based nanomaterials as polysulfides adsorbent and sulfur species catalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries—A mini-review

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery has been considered as one of the most promising next generation energy storage technologies for its overwhelming merits of high theoretical specific capacity (1673 mAh/g), high energy density (2500 Wh/kg), low cost, and environmentally friendliness of sulfur. However, critical drawbacks, including inherent low conductivity of sulfur and Li2S, large volume changes of sulfur cathodes, undesirable shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics of polysulfides, seriously deteriorate the energy density, cycle life and rate capability of Li-S battery, and thus limit its practical applications. Herein, we reviewed the recent developments addressing these problems through iron-based nanomaterials for effective synergistic immobilization as well as conversion reaction kinetics acceleration for polysulfides. The mechanist configurations between different iron-based nanomaterials and polysulfides for entrapment and conversion acceleration were summarized at first. Then we concluded the recent progresses on utilizing various iron-based nanomaterials in Li-S battery as sulfur hosts, separators and cathode interlayers. Finally, we discussed the challenges and perspectives for designing high sulfur loading cathode architectures along with outstanding chemisorption capability and catalytic activity.