Electropolymerisation Technologies for Next-Generation Lithium-Sulphur Batteries.

Abstract

Lithium-sulphur batteries (LiSBs) have garnered significant attention as the next-generation energy storage device because of their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the undesirable "shuttle effect" by lithium polysulphides (LPSs) severely inhibits their practical application. To alleviate the shuttle effect, conductive polymers have been used to fabricate LiSBs owing to their improved electrically conducting pathways, flexible mechanical properties, and high affinity to LPSs, which allow the shuttle effect to be controlled. In this study, the applications of various conductive polymers prepared via the simple yet sophisticated electropolymerisation (EP) technology are systematically investigated based on the main components of LiSBs (cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes). Finally, the potential application of EP technology in next-generation batteries is comprehensively discussed.