Recent Progress for Concurrent Realization of Shuttle-Inhibition and Dendrite-Free Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have become one of the most promising new-generation energy storage systems owing to their ultrahigh energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹), cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, their practical applications are seriously impeded by the shuttle effect of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and the uncontrolled dendrite growth of metallic Li, which result in rapid capacity fading and battery safety problems. A systematic and comprehensive review of the cooperative combination effect and tackling the fundamental problems in terms of cathode and anode synchronously is still lacking. Herein, for the first time, the strategies for inhibiting shuttle behavior and dendrite-free Li–S batteries simultaneously are summarized and classified into three parts, including “two-in-one” S-cathode and Li-anode host materials toward Li–S full cell, “two birds with one stone” modified functional separators, and tailoring electrolyte for stabilizing sulfur and lithium electrodes. This review also emphasizes the fundamental Li–S chemistry mechanism and catalyst principles for improving electrochemical performance; advanced characterization technologies to monitor real-time LiPS evolution are also discussed in detail. The problems, perspectives, and challenges with respect to inhibiting the shuttle effect and dendrite growth issues as well as the practical application of Li–S batteries are also proposed.