Recent advances and strategies of metal nitrides for accelerating polysulfide redox and regulating Li plating

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered promising contenders for the forthcoming generation of commercial batteries due to their advantageous raw materials and performance characteristics. Consequently, numerous high-performance materials have been engineered to enhance the efficacy of LSBs. Metal nitrides have been extensively researched for their exceptional properties, including high conductivity and notable catalytic activity, positioning them as potential functional materials within LSB systems. This article provides an overview of the enhanced performance of metal nitrides in various components of LSBs, specifically focusing on their roles as conductive agents and catalysts in the cathode electrode, as well as their ability to enhance conductivity and mitigate shuttle effects in the cathode electrode materials. Additionally, metal nitrides are utilized as additives in the separator to enhance its permeability and adsorption capacity towards lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). This study explores the potential of anode to enhance the uniform deposition and dissolution of lithium metals through surface modification and catalytic effects, thereby mitigating the growth and spread of branch crystals. Furthermore, the review examines the enhancement strategies for metal nitrides in LSBs and their future development prospects.