Evaluating the effectiveness of in situ characterization techniques in overcoming mechanistic limitations in lithium-sulfur batteries

Advanced energy storage systems require high energy and power densities, abundant availability of raw materials, low cost, reasonable safety, and environmental benignancy. Owing to their exceptionally high theoretical gravimetric power density (2600 Wh kg−1) and specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems. However, low sulfur loading, rapid capacity depletion, poor coulombic efficiency, and unstable cyclability have so far prevented their commercialization. These issues mainly originate from the lack of knowledge about the mechanisms taking place during the redox reactions involved in the complex conversion chemistry that LSBs rely on. In-situ characterization techniques have long been sought to help answer questions regarding these mechanisms. Herein, we review the major advancements in the field …