Structural regulation of electrocatalysts for room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries

Room-temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries have been regarded as promising energy storage technologies in grid-scale stationary energy storage systems due to their low cost, natural abundance, and high-energy density. However, the practical application of RT Na–S batteries is hindered by low reversible capacity and unsatisfying long-cycling performance arising from the severe shuttle effect and sluggish S redox kinetics. This review provides an overview of recent efforts for the optimization strategies of the electronic structure of catalysts via catalyst engineering to enhance the adsorption and catalytic activity toward soluble long-chain sodium polysulfides (NaPSs). Finally, the current challenges and prospects for further optimization strategies of catalysts, understanding catalysis and structural evolution mechanism, and achieving practical applications are highlighted to meet the commercial requirements of RT Na–S batteries.