Polymers for high performance Li-S batteries: Material selection and structure design

The application requirements and research interest have advanced the development of Li-S batteries with high energy densities. The challenges of sulfur conductivity, the polysulfide shuttle effect, and the formation of lithium dendrites are waiting for a comprehensive solution that requires multiple methods. Selected polymers with a properly designed structure and specific properties could be used for applications in Li-S batteries, such as for the cathode, separator, electrolyte, anode, and the emerging interlayer. The functions of various polymers in Li-S batteries is reviewed based on their unique structure and properties, as well as the associated electrochemical mechanisms, to address the challenges of the poor conductivity, shuttle effect, Li 2 S n deposition, volume expansion and Li dendrite. This review is intended to serve as a general guide for research to facilitate the design and synthesis of novel polymers, to further improve Li-S battery performance.