Strategies for inhibiting the ‘shuttle effect’ in lithium‑sulfur batteries: surface/interface modulation and bulk phase optimization

Li-S batteries are prominent for their future potential in energy storage due to their substantial energy density and competitive pricing. Nevertheless, their commercialization is hindered by capacity decay and insufficient cycle stability caused by the ‘shuttle effect’. While prior studies have extensively addressed challenges such as the intrinsic low conductivity of sulfur cathodes, lithium dendrite formation, and electrolyte incompatibility, systematic analysis of advanced strategies—especially those combining regulation of surface and interface with bulk-phase optimization to mitigate the shuttle effect—remains limited. This review focuses on suppressing polysulfide shuttling by analyzing the interactions between three key components (cathode, separator, and electrolyte) through confinement via physical methods, chemical bonding, and catalytic reactivity mechanisms. In cathode design, composite sulfur hosts, catalytic materials, and multifunctional binders that enhance polysulfide anchoring and reaction kinetics are analyzed. In separator design, the focus is on functional coatings and gradient structure design that combine physical barriers with ion-selective transport. Electrolyte innovations, including solvation structure regulation in liquid systems, gel network confinement in quasi-solids, and physicochemical multidimensional blocking mechanisms in solid electrolytes, are rigorously evaluated. Through material innovations, advanced fabrication strategies, and multiscale interfacial engineering, Li-S batteries have demonstrated significant improvements in key performance indicators. Collectively, these progressions position them as an encouraging prospect for upcoming high-energy-density technology to address future energy demands.