Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
Saeed Yari, Albin Conde Reis, Quanquan Pang, Mohammadhosein Safari
Abstract
Lithium-sulfur batteries are emerging as strong contenders in energy storage; however, a cohesive design framework, systematic performance analysis and benchmarks remain absent. This study bridges this gap by examining recent advancements, with a focus on functional sulfur host materials, using a data-driven approach. Through a meticulous literature review, we digitize 866 galvanostatic cycling and rate capability plots, along with the collection of key host material properties—such as specific surface area and polysulfide binding/adsorption energy—as well as essential cell design parameters including sulfur loading, electrode formulation, and electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios, to standardize performance using specific energy and power metrics. This approach enables us mapping field advancements and identify impactful research contributions. Additionally, irrespective of materials chemistry, a comprehensive analysis of this database helps us to disclose general patterns that apply universally across all cells, highlight the most constructive and detrimental regions of the design-parameter space, and perceive potential synergies. These insights outline key areas for optimization, guiding future development of practical lithium-sulfur battery technology. Despite promises of Li-S batteries as high energy storage systems, a cohesive design framework, systematic performance analysis, and benchmarks remain absent. Here, authors map recent advancements in the literature to identify general patterns that apply universally across all cell formats and materials chemistry, outlining key areas for optimization and future development towards practical Li-S batteries.