Single‐atom electrocatalysts for lithium–sulfur chemistry: Design principle, mechanism, and outlook

Abstract Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been regarded as one of the promising candidates for next‐generation “lithium‐ion battery beyond” owing to their high energy density and due low cost sulfur. However, main obstacles encountered in commercial implementation LSBs are notorious shuttle effect, retarded sulfur redox kinetics, uncontrolled dendrite growth. Accordingly, single‐atom catalysts (SACs), which ultrahigh catalytic efficiency, tunable coordination configuration, light weight, shown huge potential field date. This review summarizes recent research progress SACs applied multifunctional components LSBs. The design principles typical synthetic strategies toward effective Li–S chemistry well working mechanism promoting conversion reactions, inhibiting lithium polysulfide regulating Li + nucleation comprehensively illustrated. Potential future directions terms on realization commercially viable also outlined.