One dimensional nanostructures contribute better Li–S and Li–Se batteries: Progress, challenges and perspectives

State-of-the-art rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are approaching their energy densities boundary, but these LIBs still couldn’t meet present energy storage requirements for advanced portable, transportation and residential applications. Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) and lithium-selenium (Li–Se) batteries have attracted tremendous attentions due to their high energy (power) densities in the past ten years. Besides, Li–S and Li–Se batteries are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, the commercialization of Li–S and Li–Se batteries is hindered by the low conductivity of S (Se), low utilization and easy dissolution of polysulfides (polyselenides), etc. Recently, one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, due to their unique advantages, i.e. short lithium ions and electrons transport pathways, good flexibility, has been widely employed in improving the cycling performances and energy densities of Li–S and Li–Se batteries. In this review, we first briefly summarized the synthesis methodologies of 1D nanomaterials, then systematically summarized how 1D nanomaterials modifing the S/Se cathodes “inside” and “outside” to enhance the electrochemical performances, as well as the 1D nanomaterials applications in protecting lithium anode or 1D nanomaterials used as lithium metal free anode for Li–S batteries have also been concluded shortly. What’s more, how to use the 1D nanomaterials to constructe the novel cell configurations (i.e., current collectors, interlayers, separators) for building better Li–S and Li–Se batteries have been systematically and comprehensively summaried as well. Finally, the bottlenecks for Li–S and Li–Se batteries as well as the future development of Li–S and Li–Se batteries are proposed in the conclusions and perspectives.