Multifunctional behaviour of graphite in lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted significant attention as next-generation energy-storage systems beyond common lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to their high energy density potential and low-cost materials. Although graphite (Gr) is well-known as a state-of-the-art anode material in LIBs, it also has a great potential to be employed as a multifunctional material in LSBs. Gr and/or expanded Gr (EGr) particles along with S are promising cathode composites for LSBs. The EGr, with exceptional structure flexibility and high electronic conductivity, has been used as the most popular material in the LSB cathodes. Additionally, the Gr can be employed as an anode material of LSBs instead of Li metal, when Li 2 S is a cathode. On the other side, many straightforward approaches have been planned to optimize the electrochemical performance of LSBs by modifying the separator via Gr coating or introducing an interlayer made by Gr particles between the cathode and separator to block polysulfides shuttle physically or chemically without reducing the active cathode material. Herein, the current status, critical findings, and challenges in improving Gr as a promising multifunctional material for the development of LSBs will be discussed. • Graphite and extended form as cathodes of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are discussed. • Graphite as an anode of LSBs is discussed. • Graphite as an interlayer material in LSBs is discussed. • Graphite as a separator modifier in LSBs is discussed.