Introduction to Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Rapid societal development and economic growth dictates the use of energy sources which are mostly based on fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels are neither continuous nor environmentally benign, leading to negative consequences in the environment caused by human energy needs. It is projected that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will cause global warming resulting in a 4–6oC temperature raise by 2100.1 Likewise, fossil fuel depletion has been identified as a future challenge since it is foreseen that oil reserves will be terminated within the next 40 years while coal and natural gas may last at most for another 150 years.2 Hence, researchers are responsible for realizing new ideas on how to exploit renewable energy resources such as wind, water or sun in the most efficient manner without causing any further ecological calamities. However, most renewable energy sources are intermittent; thus, energy storage is one of the essential components of the forthcoming energy supply system to make use of renewable energy sources with fluctuating power output.3 © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.