Progress in Carbon Cathodic Host Matrices for Lithium–Sulfur Cells: A Meta Analysis

Abstract

The development of cathodes for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries requires optimizing a variety of interacting and competing variables, with the early technology readiness level (TRL) of Li–S relative to Li-ion batteries presenting researchers with a wide parameter space. Given the interactions between the positive electrode design and the electrolyte, the development of Li–S electrodes requires comprehensive reporting of parameters to enable a comparison of developments. By developing a tool to aggregate synthesis parameters with cell performance, we summarize the frequency with which different components and electrochemical testing conditions are used, including data from 100 articles. Grouping reported capacity data by composite carbon type, C rate, and sulfur content revealed widespread variation in the maximum capacity and rate of degradation. We hope that the tool developed here will provide a facile workflow and promote consistent reporting across the literature, while also pointing toward routes to improve the design of Li–S positive electrodes.