Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries have emerged as a promising energy storage technology driven by their potential to reach very high theoretical specific energy densities of up to 2600 Wh·kg^–1. This remarkably high energy density directly results from the reversible, multi-electron-transfer reactions between sulfur and lithium metal taking place during the charge and discharge cycles. However, the charge/discharge processes of Li-S batteries are invariably accompanied by changes in both the composition and the structure of the sulfur species in the cathode, all of which result in sluggish and incomplete sulfur transformation. It has been demonstrated that the application of electrocatalysts is an effective strategy to accelerate the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR). Recognizing this challenge, researchers worldwide have tried to develop efficient catalysts to accelerate the kinetics of the SRR and boost the overall performance of Li-S batteries. However, this goal necessitates an in-depth understanding of the intricate catalytic processes in the Li-S battery cathode. The effective characterization of the catalysts and a thorough investigation of the SRR process are essential steps to unraveling the underlying catalytic mechanism of sulfur reduction and to compare the performances of the different electrocatalysts.

中文翻译：

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寻找锂硫电池中硫氧化还原反应的理想电催化剂匹配

锂硫 (Li-S) 电池已成为一种很有前景的储能技术，其理论比能量密度高达 2600 Wh·kg ^–1。这种非常高的能量密度直接来自于充电和放电循环期间硫和锂金属之间发生的可逆多电子转移反应。然而，锂硫电池的充放电过程总是伴随着正极中硫物质的成分和结构的变化，所有这些都会导致硫转化缓慢且不完全。事实证明，电催化剂的应用是加速硫还原反应（SRR）的有效策略。认识到这一挑战，世界各地的研究人员试图开发高效的催化剂来加速 SRR 的动力学并提高锂硫电池的整体性能。然而，这一目标需要深入了解锂硫电池阴极中复杂的催化过程。催化剂的有效表征和对 SRR 过程的彻底研究是揭示硫还原的潜在催化机制和比较不同电催化剂性能的重要步骤。