With a remarkably higher theoretical energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and abundance of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives among all the post LIB technologies. In particular, the coupling of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with the cell chemistry of Li-S batteries enables a safe and high-capacity electrochemical energy storage system, due to the better processability and less flammability of SPEs compared to liquid electrolytes. However, the practical deployment of all solid-state Li-S batteries (ASSLSBs) containing SPEs is largely hindered by the low accessibility of active materials and side reactions of soluble polysulfide species, resulting in a poor specific capacity and cyclability. In the present work, an ultrahigh performance of ASSLSBs is obtained via an anomalous synergistic effect between (fluorosulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions inherited from the design of lithium salts in SPEs and the polysulfide species formed during the cycling. The corresponding Li-S cells deliver high specific/areal capacity (1394 mAh g, 1.2 mAh cm), good Coulombic efficiency, and superior rate capability (∼800 mAh g after 60 cycles). These results imply the importance of the molecular structure of lithium salts in ASSLSBs and pave a way for future development of safe and cost-effective Li-S batteries.

Owing to resource abundance, and hence, a reduction in cost, wider global distribution, environmental benignity, and sustainability, sodium-based, rechargeable batteries are believed to be the most feasible and enthralling energy-storage devices. Accordingly, they have recently attracted attention from both the scientific and industrial communities. However, to compete with and exceed dominating lithium-ion technologies, breakthrough research is urgently needed. Among all non-electrode components of the sodium-based battery system, the electrolyte is considered to be the most critical element, and its tailored design and formulation is of top priority. The incorporation of a small dose of foreign molecules, called additives, brings vast, salient benefits to the electrolytes. Thus, this review presents progress in electrolyte additives for room-temperature, sodium-based, rechargeable batteries, by enlisting sodium-ion, Na-O /air, Na-S, and sodium-intercalated cathode type-based batteries.

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is a well‐known electrolyte filler for stabilizing the Li‐metal (Li0) anode in all‐solid‐state Li0‐based batteries. However, its strong interactions with lithium polysulfides (PS) hinder the direct application of Al2O3‐added electrolytes in all‐solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs). Herein, the role of Al2O3 in ASSLSBs both as electrolyte filler and cathode additive is studied. The combination of Al2O3‐added electrolyte and Al2O3‐added S8 cathode with optimum cell configuration could deliver an unprecedented discharge capacity of 0.85 mAh cm−2 (C/10, 30 cycles) for polymer‐based ASSLSBs. These results suggest that the rational incorporation of Al2O3 can lead simultaneously to PS anchoring and Li0 anode stabilizing benefits from the ceramic filler, thus improving the electrochemical performance of ASSLSBs.

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The preparation of nanoporous materials from columnar hexagonal liquid crystalline networks has been accomplished by the crosslinking of a H-bonded supramolecular systems, followed by template removal.