Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design

Abstract Lithium-sulfur batteries are emerging as strong contenders in energy storage; however, a cohesive design framework, systematic performance analysis and benchmarks remain absent. This study bridges this gap by examining recent advancements, with a focus on functional sulfur host materials, u...

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Main Authors: Saeed Yari, Albin Conde Reis, Quanquan Pang, Mohammadhosein Safari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60528-4
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author Saeed Yari
Albin Conde Reis
Quanquan Pang
Mohammadhosein Safari
author_facet Saeed Yari
Albin Conde Reis
Quanquan Pang
Mohammadhosein Safari
author_sort Saeed Yari
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Lithium-sulfur batteries are emerging as strong contenders in energy storage; however, a cohesive design framework, systematic performance analysis and benchmarks remain absent. This study bridges this gap by examining recent advancements, with a focus on functional sulfur host materials, using a data-driven approach. Through a meticulous literature review, we digitize 866 galvanostatic cycling and rate capability plots, along with the collection of key host material properties—such as specific surface area and polysulfide binding/adsorption energy—as well as essential cell design parameters including sulfur loading, electrode formulation, and electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios, to standardize performance using specific energy and power metrics. This approach enables us mapping field advancements and identify impactful research contributions. Additionally, irrespective of materials chemistry, a comprehensive analysis of this database helps us to disclose general patterns that apply universally across all cells, highlight the most constructive and detrimental regions of the design-parameter space, and perceive potential synergies. These insights outline key areas for optimization, guiding future development of practical lithium-sulfur battery technology.
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issn 2041-1723
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spelling doaj-art-7d80db576ab5440498186ed2c3d1181d2025-08-20T04:01:41ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-07-0116111510.1038/s41467-025-60528-4Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell designSaeed Yari0Albin Conde Reis1Quanquan Pang2Mohammadhosein Safari3Institute for Materials Research (IMO-imomec), UHasselt, Martelarenlaan 42Institute for Materials Research (IMO-imomec), UHasselt, Martelarenlaan 42Beijing Key Laboratory for Theory and Technology of Advanced Battery Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking UniversityInstitute for Materials Research (IMO-imomec), UHasselt, Martelarenlaan 42Abstract Lithium-sulfur batteries are emerging as strong contenders in energy storage; however, a cohesive design framework, systematic performance analysis and benchmarks remain absent. This study bridges this gap by examining recent advancements, with a focus on functional sulfur host materials, using a data-driven approach. Through a meticulous literature review, we digitize 866 galvanostatic cycling and rate capability plots, along with the collection of key host material properties—such as specific surface area and polysulfide binding/adsorption energy—as well as essential cell design parameters including sulfur loading, electrode formulation, and electrolyte-to-sulfur ratios, to standardize performance using specific energy and power metrics. This approach enables us mapping field advancements and identify impactful research contributions. Additionally, irrespective of materials chemistry, a comprehensive analysis of this database helps us to disclose general patterns that apply universally across all cells, highlight the most constructive and detrimental regions of the design-parameter space, and perceive potential synergies. These insights outline key areas for optimization, guiding future development of practical lithium-sulfur battery technology.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60528-4
spellingShingle Saeed Yari
Albin Conde Reis
Quanquan Pang
Mohammadhosein Safari
Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
Nature Communications
title Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
title_full Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
title_fullStr Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
title_full_unstemmed Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
title_short Performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation cell design
title_sort performance benchmarking and analysis of lithium sulfur batteries for next generation cell design
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60528-4
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