Rechargeable metal-sulfur batteries are considered promising candidates for energy storage due to their high energy density along with high natural abundance and low cost of raw materials. However, they could not yet be practically implemented due to several key challenges: (i) poor conductivity of sulfur and the discharge product metal sulfide, causing sluggish redox kinetics, (ii) polysulfide shuttling, and (iii) parasitic side reactions between the electrolyte and the metal anode. To overcome these obstacles, numerous strategies have been explored, including modifications to the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and binder. In this review, the fundamental principles and challenges of metal-sulfur batteries are first discussed. Second, the latest research on metal-sulfur batteries is presented and discussed, covering their material design, synthesis methods, and electrochemical performances. Third, emerging advanced characterization techniques that reveal the working mechanisms of metal-sulfur batteries are highlighted. Finally, the possible future research directions for the practical applications of metal-sulfur batteries are discussed. This comprehensive review aims to provide experimental strategies and theoretical guidance for designing and understanding the intricacies of metal-sulfur batteries; thus, it can illuminate promising pathways for progressing high-energy-density metal-sulfur battery systems.

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可充电金属硫电池：机制的关键材料

可充电金属硫电池由于其高能量密度、高自然丰度和低成本原材料而被认为是有前途的储能候选者。然而，由于几个关键挑战，它们尚未实际实施：（i）硫和放电产物金属硫化物的导电性差，导致氧化还原动力学缓慢，（ii）多硫化物穿梭，以及（iii）电解质之间的寄生副反应和金属阳极。为了克服这些障碍，人们探索了多种策略，包括对阴极、阳极、电解质和粘合剂进行修改。在这篇综述中，首先讨论了金属硫电池的基本原理和挑战。其次，介绍和讨论了金属硫电池的最新研究，涵盖其材料设计、合成方法和电化学性能。第三，强调了揭示金属硫电池工作机制的新兴先进表征技术。最后，讨论了金属硫电池实际应用的未来可能的研究方向。这篇全面的综述旨在为设计和理解金属硫电池的复杂性提供实验策略和理论指导；因此，它可以为发展高能量密度金属硫电池系统指明有前途的途径。