Recent advances in shuttle effect inhibition for lithium sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are one of the most promising batteries in the future due to its high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1) and energy density (2600 Wh kg−1). However, the severe capacity fading caused by shuttle effect of polysulfide needs to be addressed before the practical application of Li-S batteries. In this review, we summarized the formation mechanism and the corresponding inhibition strategies of shuttle effect. The formation of polysulfide shuttle effect is classified into five steps: (i) formation of long-chain polysulfide, (ii) detaching of polysulfide from sulfur host, (iii) dissolution of polysulfide into electrolyte, (iv) migration of polysulfide toward lithium anode side, and (v) reaction between polysulfide and lithium anode. The corresponding strategies are reviewed and discussed step by step according to the shuttle effect formation steps of polysulfide. Evaluation and perspective of the current strategies are also discussed in this review in order to provide new view points for researchers.