The current state of electrolytes and cathode materials development in the quest for aluminum-sulfur batteries

Aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) are an alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their high volumetric capacity, low cost, and high safety. However, chloride aluminate ions destroy the structure of the host material during the electrochemical reaction, resulting in poor cycling life and low discharge capacity. Low-cost S can be used as AIBs cathode material with high energy density. This review focuses on non-aqueous aluminum-sulfur batteries (ASBs), with a detailed analysis of electrochemical performance data related to their electrolyte modification and modified cathode materials. Next, according to the literature statistics, the development of the structural design of cathode materials in non-aqueous ASBs is reviewed and the related electrochemical reaction mechanism is analyzed in detail. In addition, the problems and expected solutions in the study of non-aqueous ASBs are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.