Performance optimization of chalcogenide catalytic materials in lithium-sulfur batteries: Structural and electronic engineering

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) boasting remarkable energy density have garnered significant attention within academic and industrial spheres. Nevertheless, the progression of LSBs remains constrained by the languid redox kinetics intrinsic to sulfur and the pronounced shuttle effect induced by lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), which seriously affecting the energy density, cycling life and rate capacity. The conceptualization and implementation of catalytic materials stand acknowledged as a propitious stratagem for orchestrating kinetic modulation, particularly in excavating the conversion of LiPSs and has evolved into a focal point for disposing. Among them, chalcogenide catalytic materials (CCMs) have shown satisfactory catalytic effects ascribe to the unique physicochemical properties, and have been extensively developed in recent years. Considering the lack of systematic summary regarding the development of CCMs and corresponding performance optimization strategies, herein, we initiate a comprehensive review regarding the recent progress of CCMs for effective collaborative immobilization and accelerated transformation kinetics of LiPSs. Following that, the modulation strategies to improve the catalytic activity of CCMs are summarized, including structural engineering (morphology engineering, surface/interface engineering, crystal engineering) and electronic engineering (doping and vacancy, etc.). Finally, the application prospect of CCMs in LSBs is clarified, and some enlightenment is provided for the reasonable design of CCMs serving practical LSBs.