Sulfur‐Based Electrodes that Function via Multielectron Reactions for Room‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Storage

Abstract

Emerging rechargeable sodium‐ion storage systems—sodium‐ion and room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT‐NaS) batteries—are gaining extensive research interest as low‐cost options for large‐scale energy‐storage applications. Owing to their abundance, easy accessibility, and unique physical and chemical properties, sulfur‐based materials, in particular metal sulfides (MSx) and elemental sulfur (S), are currently regarded as promising electrode candidates for Na‐storage technologies with high capacity and excellent redox reversibility based on multielectron conversion reactions. Here, we present current understanding of Na‐storage mechanisms of the S‐based electrode materials. Recent progress and strategies for improving electronic conductivity and tolerating volume variations of the MSx anodes in Na‐ion batteries are reviewed. In addition, current advances on S cathodes in RT‐NaS batteries are presented. We outline a novel emerging concept of integrating MSx electrocatalysts into conventional carbonaceous matrices as effective polarized S hosts in RT‐NaS batteries as well. This comprehensive progress report could provide guidance for research toward the development of S‐based materials for the future Na‐storage techniques.

General Synthesis of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions and Room‐Temperature Na‐S Batteries

“…[16] Rationally designing the heterogeneous materials and exploring the activity origin, however, require af ull range of metal atom doped materials with various metal elements.A lso,r oomtemperature sodium-sulfur (RT-Na/S) batteries are regarded as one of the most low-cost technologies for large-scale energy storage,w hich have recently attracted extensive research interest. [17] Thek ey challenge of the RT-Na/S batteries is the sluggish Sr edox reactions with Na, which is getting worse along with the migration of polysulfide intermediates. [18] Innovatively,v arious polar catalysts,s uch as transition metals, [19] noble metals, [20] metal sulfides, [21] and metal oxides, [22] are developed to improve the efficiencyo f polysulfide immobilization and conversion.…”

A Heterostructure Coupling of Bioinspired, Adhesive Polydopamine, and Porous Prussian Blue Nanocubics as Cathode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery

“…[ 1–3 ] Therefore, rechargeable batteries with long lifespan, low cost, and environmental friendliness are among the most important devices for electrochemical energy storage systems, especially in large‐scale ones. [ 4–8 ] Among these, the sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have received growing research attention, on account of the inexhaustible and low‐cost nature of sodium resource, as well as its suitable redox potential and safety. [ 9–12 ]…”

Prospect of Sulfurized Pyrolyzed Poly(acrylonitrile) (S@pPAN) Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

“…[42] Generally,N a-S integration chemistry is difficult under ambient temperature because of the sluggish reaction kinetics. [43] In consideration of its conductivity, the S@pPAN composite is aclassic material for room-temperature Na-S batteries. [44] Similarly,A i et al demonstrated PA Nn anofibers as precursors for S@C composite materials.T he pre-introduced carbon can serve as electronic channels not present in the pristine S@pPAN composite.…”