Overview of advances in anode electrode engineering for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries

Abstract

Lithium–sulfur batteries are regarded as promising candidates for future energy storage owing to their high theoretical energy density and the abundance of elemental sulfur. Existing research has focused on optimizing lithium–sulfur battery cathodes, electrolytes, and other components, while the role of the anode remains equally critical in determining the overall cell performance, safety, and longevity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for addressing the challenges of lithium–sulfur battery anodes. It covers key approaches, such as artificial solid electrolyte interphase layers, electrolyte engineering, lithiophilic host design, current collector modification, and the development of solid-state electrolytes. Additionally, it offers a brief overview of digital modeling and intelligent control methods. This review discusses alternative anode materials, such as silicon anodes, silicon–graphite composites, and carbon-based systems, with an emphasis on their synergistic effects in improving stability and electrochemical performance. Recent advances in anode-free configurations are also highlighted, providing insights into pathways for achieving higher energy densities alongside enhanced safety. This review further evaluates the advantages and limitations of the current strategies and outlines future directions, focusing on scalable material design, robust interface engineering, and practical implementation. Overall, this work emphasizes the critical role of anode engineering in unlocking the full potential of lithium–sulfur batteries and provides insights for the rational design of high-performance and durable energy storage systems.