Entropy-Driven Innovations: Entropy Stabilized Oxides for High-Performance Next-Generation Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries are known as promising next-generation energy storage devices owing to their elevated theoretical energy density (∼2600 W h kg⁻¹), cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, the issues of lithium polysulfide shuttle effect, considerable volume expansion, inadequate electrical conductivity, and slow redox kinetics have hindered their practical application. The use of high-entropy-stabilized oxides consisting of numerous different chemical elements that provide phase stabilization by a high configurational entropy presents an innovative and efficient approach to resolve these issues of lithium–sulfur batteries. Meanwhile, understanding of the unique properties and versatile applications of entropy-driven phases remain incomplete. This review not only offers a comprehensive examination on the entropy-driven phase structures of high-entropy-stabilized oxides but also highlights their application in improving the efficacy of sulfur composite cathodes in lithium–sulfur batteries batteries. The structural and electrochemical benefits of different types of high-entropy-stabilized oxides for use in lithium–sulfur batteries batteries are analyzed, elucidating their roles in enhancing sulfur usage, mitigating shuttle effects, and facilitating stable cycling. The analysis delineates prospective avenues in the synthesis, characterization, and system integration of lithium–sulfur batteries batteries, expediting the commercialization of high-entropy-stabilized oxide-based lithium–sulfur batteries battery technology.