Progress and prospects of zinc-sulfur batteries

In the realm of energy storage, the evolution of zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries has garnered substantial attention, owing to their potential to revolutionize portable and grid-scale power solutions. This comprehensive review covers the triumvirate of anode, cathode, and electrolyte advancements within the Zn-S battery landscape. Through categorization and critical analysis, recent breakthroughs in each component are examined and their transformative implications are appraised. We also present the challenges involved, such as different electrolyte types and the use of specific materials in the battery components. The review dives into the intricacies of deposition and corrosion in zinc anodes, details of cathode designs and electrolyte mixtures, including aqueous, organic, and gel-based systems. It sheds light on the impact of redox mediators and explores how modifying anode and cathode materials strategically can affect the way batteries store and release energy. The article wraps up by creating a clear picture of the current technological landscape of Zn-S batteries, paving the way for future research. By combining real-world insights with visionary thinking, this analysis serves as a guide to the unexplored territories of Zn-S battery research, imagining a future where scientific knowledge and innovation power transformation.