From non-aqueous liquid to solid-state Li–S batteries: design protocols, challenges and solutions

Traditional Lithium-ion batteries may not satisfy the requirements of advanced batteries, demanding higher energy and power density, broader operating temperature ranges, and faster charging speeds. Solid-state Li–S batteries (SSLSBs) offer significant advantages, including higher theoretical specific capacity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. This mini-review exclusively introduces design protocols with emphasis on key governing parameters of SSLSBs towards achieving a specific energy of more than 500 W h kg⁻¹. In addition, the distinct fading mechanisms of SSLSBs compared to non-aqueous electrolyte systems and other ASSB systems are summarized and compared. Then, we outline the state-of-the-art strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance of SSLSBs and suggest insightful directions for future research. This review may be of significance to the design of advanced SSLSBs, by mitigating technical challenges, and hence facilitating their practical implementation in energy storage technologies.