Mapping Techniques for the Design of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Mapping technique has been the powerful tool for the design of next-generation energy storage devices. Unlike the traditional ion-insertion based lithium batteries, the Li-S battery is based on the complex conversion reactions, which require more cooperation from mapping techniques to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Therefore, in this review, the representative works of mapping techniques for Li-S batteries are summarized, and categorized into the studies of lithium metal anode and sulfur cathode, with sub-sections based on shared characterization mechanisms. Due to specific features of mapping techniques, various aspects such as compositional distribution, in-plain/cross section characterization, coin cell/pouch cell configuration, and structural/mechanical analysis are emphasized in each study, aiming for the guidance for developing strategies to improve the battery performances. Benefited from the achieved progresses, suggestions for future studies based on mapping techniques are proposed to accelerate the development and commercialization of the Li-S battery.