Mechanistic Insights and Technical Challenges in Sulfur-Based Batteries: A Comprehensive In Situ/Operando Monitoring Toolbox

Abstract

Batteries based on sulfur cathodes offer a promising energy storage solution due to their potential for high performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. However, commercial viability is challenged by issues such as polysulfide migration, volume changes, uneven phase nucleation, limited ion transport, and sluggish sulfur redox kinetics. Addressing these challenges requires insights into the structural, morphological, and chemical evolution of phases, the associated volume changes and internal stresses, and ion and polysulfide diffusion within the battery. Such insights can only be obtained through real-time reaction monitoring within the battery’s operational environment, supported by molecular dynamics simulations and advanced artificial intelligence-driven data analysis. This review provides an overview of in situ/operando techniques for real-time tracking of these processes in sulfur-based batteries and explores the integration of simulations with experimental data to provide a holistic understanding of the critical challenges, enabling advancements in their development and commercial adoption.