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The integration of Li2S6 within a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based polymer electrolyte is demonstrated to improve the polymer electrolyte's ionic conductivity because the strong interplay between O2−(PEO) and Li+ from Li2S6 reduces the crystalline volume within the PEO. The Li/electrolyte interface is stabilized by the in situ formation of an ultra‐thin Li2S/Li2S2 layer via the reaction between Li2S6 and lithium metal, which increases the ionic transport at the interface and suppresses lithium dendrite growth. A symmetric Li/Li cell with the Li2S6‐integrated composite electrolyte has excellent cyclability and a high critical current density of 0.9 mA cm−2 at 40 °C. Impressive electrochemical performance is demonstrated with all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO4 and high‐voltage Li/LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cells at 40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pursuit of advanced batteries with high‐energy density is one of the eternal goals for electrochemists. Over the past decades, lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have gained world‐wide popularity due to their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. However, their road to the market is still full of thorns. Apart from the poor electronic conductivity of sulfur‐based cathodes, LSBs involve special multielectron reaction mechanisms associated with active soluble lithium polysulfides intermediates. Accordingly, the electrode design and fabrication protocols of LSBs are different from those of traditional lithium ion batteries. This review is aimed at discussing the electrode design/fabrication protocols of LSBs, especially the current problems on various sulfur‐based cathodes (such as S, Li2S, Li2Sx catholyte, organopolysulfides) and corresponding solutions. Different fabrication methods of sulfur‐based cathodes are introduced and their corresponding bullet points to achieve high‐quality cathodes are highlighted. In addition, the challenges and solutions of sulfur‐based cathodes including active material content, mass loading, conductive agent/binder, compaction density, electrolyte/sulfur ratio, and current collector are summarized and rational strategies are refined to address these issues. Finally, the future prospects on sulfur‐based cathodes and LSBs are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes), a burgeoning group of 2 D layer‐structure compounds, have multiple merits, such as high electrical conductivity, tunable layer structure, small band gap, and functionalized redox‐active surface, and are receiving significant attention as one of the most promising class of energy storage materials. The synthesis methods, structural configuration, and surface chemistry of MXenes directly influence their performance. This Minireview focuses on interfacial structure design and functionalization of MXenes and MXene‐based energy storage materials and the effect of structural configuration and surface chemistry on their electrochemical performance. Additionally, the structure–property relationships between interfacial structure, functional group, interlayer spacing, and the corresponding energy storage performance are summarized in detail. Finally, light is shed on the perspectives for the future research on advanced MXene‐based energy storage materials including scientific and technical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of Li2S6 within a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based polymer electrolyte is demonstrated to improve the polymer electrolyte's ionic conductivity because the strong interplay between O2−(PEO) and Li+ from Li2S6 reduces the crystalline volume within the PEO. The Li/electrolyte interface is stabilized by the in situ formation of an ultra‐thin Li2S/Li2S2 layer via the reaction between Li2S6 and lithium metal, which increases the ionic transport at the interface and suppresses lithium dendrite growth. A symmetric Li/Li cell with the Li2S6‐integrated composite electrolyte has excellent cyclability and a high critical current density of 0.9 mA cm−2 at 40 °C. Impressive electrochemical performance is demonstrated with all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO4 and high‐voltage Li/LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cells at 40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]