Polysulfides in Magnesium-Sulfur Batteries.

Mg-S batteries hold great promise as a potential alternative to Li-based technologies. Their further development hinges on solving a few key challenges, including the lower capacity and poorer cycling performance when compared to Li counterparts. At the heart of the issues is the lack of knowledge on polysulfide chemical behaviors in the Mg-S battery environment. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of polysulfide behaviors in Mg-S batteries. First, we provide a systematic summary of experimental and computational techniques for polysulfide characterization. Next, conversion pathways for Mg polysulfide species within the battery environment are discussed, highlighting the important role of polysulfide solubility in determining reaction kinetics and overall battery performance. The focus then shifts to negative effects of polysulfide shuttling on Mg-S batteries. We outline various strategies for achieving an optimal balance between polysulfide solubility and shuttling, including use of electrolyte additives, polysulfide-trapping materials, and dual-functional catalysts. Based on the current understanding, we identify directions for further advancing knowledge of Mg polysulfide chemistry, emphasizing the integration of experiment with computation as a powerful approach to accelerate the development of Mg-S battery technology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.