Toward the Advanced Next‐Generation Solid‐State Na‐S Batteries: Progress and Prospects

Abstract

Although batteries fitted with sodium metal anodes and sulfur cathodes are attractive for their higher energy density and lower cost, the threat of polysulfide migration in organic liquid electrolytes, uncontrollable dendrites, and corresponding safety issues has locked the deployment of the battery system. Introduction of solid‐state electrolytes to replace conventional liquid‐based electrolytes has been considered an effective approach to address these issues and further render solid‐state sodium‐sulfur battery (SSSSB) systems with higher safety and improved energy density. Nevertheless, the practical applications of SSSSB are still hampered by grand challenges, such as poor interfacial contact, sluggish redox kinetics of sulfur conversion, and Na dendrites. Currently, various strategies have been proposed and utilized to negate the problems within the solid‐state battery. Herein, a timely and comprehensive review of emerging strategies to promote the development of SSSSB is presented. The critical challenges that prevent the real application of the SSSSB technique are analyzed initially. Subsequently, various strategies for boosting the development of SSSSB are comprehensively summarized, containing the developing of the advanced cathode and cathode/electrolyte interface, tailoring the solid electrolyte, and designing the stable anode and anode/electrolyte interface. Finally, further perspectives on stimulating the practical application of SSSSB technology are provided.

Wide-temperature-range sodium-metal batteries: from fundamentals and obstacles to optimization

“…Notably, the types of electrolytes and S are also a critical point that affects the electrochemical performance of Na-S batteries. 442,443 S on the surface of a cathode host (155S) and S in the pores of the host (300S) in ether and carbonate ester electrolytes were studied. 442 Fig.…”

“…Therefore, the morphology of S in the host and the behavior of S in different electrolytes can affect the electrochemical properties of a Na-S battery. 443,444 Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery. The Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery system has received extensive attention due to its high specific energy, high power density and easy availability of cathode-active materials.…”

“…The Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery system has received extensive attention due to its high specific energy, high power density and easy availability of cathode-active materials. 443,444 It is also possible to utilize CO 2 /O 2 from the air as an active material, which means that the battery system can be expected to provide a stable energy source in CO 2 /O 2 -rich areas, thereby showing attractive application prospects. 443,444 Research on Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery systems is in its infancy, and some critical scientific issues need to be emphasized and explored.…”

“…443,444 It is also possible to utilize CO 2 /O 2 from the air as an active material, which means that the battery system can be expected to provide a stable energy source in CO 2 /O 2 -rich areas, thereby showing attractive application prospects. 443,444 Research on Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery systems is in its infancy, and some critical scientific issues need to be emphasized and explored. 444,445 Fundamentally, the complex electrochemical reaction mechanism in a Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery is not known and intriguing.…”

“…444,445 Fundamentally, the complex electrochemical reaction mechanism in a Na-CO 2 /O 2 battery is not known and intriguing. [443][444][445] Owing to the open battery structure, Na-CO 2 /O 2 batteries with a sodium salt/organic solvent liquid electrolyte have serious hazards of electrolyte leakage, volatilization (especially at HT) and electrochemical instability. 444,445 Inevitably, Na-CO 2 /O 2 batteries also encounter dendrite formation or surface cracks in the pure Na anode during cycling, causing the possibility of short circuits.…”